We have demonstrated that an established hamster cell line (NIL 8 M-2) will adhere to the bioceramic bioglass. The rate at which the NIL 8 M-2 cells assume a spread morphology on bioglass is density dependent and the morphology displayed by NIL 8 M-2 cells attached to bioglass is much more elongated than that displayed by NIL 8 M-2 cells attached to nonreactive glass. Precoating the bioglass with the plasma form of human fibronectin significantly reduces the density dependent nature of cell spreading. Coating the bioglass with fibronectin also reduces the time required for cell spreading and changes the morphology of the attached cells from an elongated to an extremely flattened shape. Our work raises the possibility that bone-implant adhesion might be improved by introducing molecules relevant to cell-substrate attachment into the biomaterial prior to implantation.