Advanced biopolymer-coated drug-releasing titania nanotubes (TNTs) implants with simultaneously enhanced osteoblast adhesion and antibacterial properties.

•We fabricate TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) with controlled pore diameter and length on Ti substrate.•Drug loading and release capabilities of these TNTs were explored using gentamicin as model drug. Drug release kinetics and burst release from TNTs were further controlled by biopolymer coating.•Osteoblast adhesion activity suggested improved cell adhesion on TNT surfaces than control surfaces (Ti plate or plastic surface). Osteoblast adhesion was greatest for biopolymer-coated TNT substrates (especially chitosan).•Antibacterial properties of gentamicin-loaded TNTs suggest improved and long-term antibacterial effect from biopolymer-coated TNTs substrates.•Chitosan-coated TNTs displayed the best antibacterial and anti-biofilm formation capabilities.•Altogether, biopolymer-coated TNTs displayed simultaneous osteoblast adhesion and antibacterial properties.