Synthetic scaffolds support cell attachment in vitro. We prepared ultra-fine silicate fibers using the sol-gel process and electrospinning, heated the fibers to 500 degrees C and investigated their effects on the behavior of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Alterations in surface composition following heat treatment improved cell adhesion and influenced cell migration. (C) 2009, The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. All rights reserved.