Surface characterization of alkali- and heat-treated Ti with or without prior acid etching

► Acid etching was done prior to the further alkali- and heat-treatments of Ti. ► On pre-acidetched Ti surface, bonelike apatite formed early in simulated body fluid. ► The pre-etched surface also showed better osteoblastic cell activity. ► Roughness and wettability of the pre-etched surface was higher than other surface.