“…Since there is no interface separating the surface layer and the substrate, the problem of poor interface bonding between the nanostructured surface layer and the substrate, usually caused by traditional coating techniques, is easily solved ( Nana & Ning, 2018 ; Du et al, 2019 ). In addition, SMAT materials have the advantages of high strength, high hardness, high diffusion rate and high chemical reactivity, and their wear resistance and fatigue resistance are also significantly improved ( Nowak, Serafin & Wierzba, 2019 ; Benafia, Retraint & Brou, 2018 ; Yao et al, 2017 ; Fang et al, 2011 ; Wang & Lu, 2017 ; Tong et al, 2003 ; Wang et al, 2003 ; Lei et al, 2019 ; Lu & Lu, 2004 ). In this study, the influence of surface morphologies on the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of hBMSCs might be safely excluded, while the samples in the experimental and controlled groups show a similar surface morphology (with surface roughness R a of 1.73 ± 0.11 and 1.82 ± 0.06 μm, respectively).…”