3T3 fibroblasts and primary chicken hepatocytes were cultured on derivatized polystyrene surfaces to examine the effect of cell-specific ligands on cellular morphology and growth. Surfaces were prepared by derivatizing chloromethylated polystyrene with N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc; recognized by the chicken asialoglycoprotein receptor) and adenosine (not recognized by adult hepatocytes). These surfaces were compared with tissue culture polystyrene(TCPS), acid-cleaned glass, and the unmodified chloromethylated polystyrene. The spreading, cytoskeletal structure and growth of the fibroblasts following attachment to these surfaces were examined. The extent of attachment, total protein levels, and DNA contents for surface-attached chicken hepatocytes were also measured. Fibroblast spreading was greatest on polymer surfaces derivatized with GlcNAc, whereas cytoskeletal structure and growth rate were independent of surface chemistry. Although chicken hepatocytes attached most efficiently to the GlcNAc derivatized polymer, the total protein and DNA levels of the surface-attached cells were not affected. In anticipation of the application of these polymers for cell culture and hybrid artificial organ design, the GlcNAc-derivatized polystyrene was fabricated into porous microcarriers. Fibroblasts grew avidly on the microcarriers, whereas chicken hepatocytes adhered well to and formed large aggregates around the microcarriers.