Cell biomedical behavior is influenced by a number of factors, and the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the cellular microenvironment affects certain cancer cells. In the current study, U‑2OS cells were cultured on gold surfaces modified with different terminal chemical groups [methyl (‑CH3), amino (‑NH2), hydroxyl (‑OH) and carboxyl (‑COOH)]. The results revealed that different chemical surfaces convey different behaviors. The density of the different functional surfaces was confirmed by atomic force microscopy. Cell morphology, proliferation rate and cell cycle were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, cell counting and flow cytometry. In conclusion, the type of chemical group on a biomaterial is an important property for the growth of osteosarcoma cells; ‑NH2 and ‑COOH surfaces sustained visible cell adhesion and promoted cell growth.