Proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cells on titanium modified by ammonia plasma immersion ion implantation

► A New approach for surface treatment of titanium using NH3 plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) technique was provided. ► Nitrogen-rich and more hydrophilic surface of titanium has been achieved using NH3 PIII treatment without changing its surface morphology. ► Proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were markedly promoted on NH3 PIII-treated titanium.