Chemically defined surfaces were created using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of hydrophobic and hydrophilic silanes as models for implant coatings, and the morphology and physiology of cardiac myocytes plated on these surfaces were studied in vitro. We focused on changes in intracellular Ca(2+) because of its essential role in regulating heart cell function. The SAM-modified coverslips were analyzed using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy to verify composition. The morphology and physiology of the cardiac cells were examined using fluorescence microscopy and intracellular Ca(2+) imaging. The imaging experiments used the fluorescent ratiometric dye fura-2, AM to establish both the resting Ca(2+) concentration and the dynamic responses to electrical stimulation. A significant difference in excitation-induced Ca(2+) changes on the different silanated surfaces was observed. However, no significant change was noted based on the morphological analysis. This result implies a difference in internal Ca(2+) dynamics, and thus cardiac function, occurs when the composition of the surface is different, and this effect is independent of cellular morphology. This finding has implications for histological examination of tissues surrounding implants, the choice of materials that could be beneficial as implant coatings and understanding of cell-surface interactions in cardiac systems.