Surface structures and osteoblast response of hydrothermally produced CaTiO3 thin film on Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy

► Submicro-structured CaTiO3 thin film on Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy was produced by hydrothermal treatment. ► Simple post heat-treatment significantly increased surface hydrophilicity of CaTiO3 film without altering surface morphology and thickness. ► CaTiO3 coating notably upregulated various integrin gene expressions in osteoblastic cells at an early incubation time-point. ► CaTiO3 layer enhanced viability and ALP activity of osteoblastic cells. ► Post heat-treatment further increased initial cell attachment and ALP activity in CaTiO3-coated Ti-13Nb-13Zr surface.