BACKGROUND: The high in vivo corrosion rate of magnesium alloy vascular stents is a primary problem. Smooth TiO2 film has excellent antithrombotic properties and could improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy stents. Research into special nanostructured TiO2 film, which may provide improved biocompatibility and act as a drug carrier, has seldom been reported in vascular stent applications. RESULTS: Flower-like nanostructured TiO2 film was prepared on Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy substrate by an improved solvothermal method. Aqueous NH4F solution and hydrofluoric acid were added to ethanol solvent to adjust the hydrolysis rate of titanium butoxide, and thus the TiO2 nanostructure size. This reaction system was suitable for magnesium alloy due to its non-corrosive characteristic. Under properly chosen hydrolysis conditions, compact TiO2 film consisting of continuous flowerlike nanostructures was obtained on substrate, with single sheet thickness of 50-100 nm. The charge transfer resistance of Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy in simulated body fluids was increased about 40 times by the nanostructured TiO2 film. CONCLUSIONS: Through a solvothermal synthesis process, nanostructured TiO2 film can be prepared on the surface of Mg-ZnY- Nd alloy. Corrosion resistance of Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy in simulated body fluids can be improved by protection with the TiO2 film. (C) 2013 Society of Chemical Industry