To improve the bone integration of titanium-based implants a high power diode laser (HPDL) was used to modify the material for improved osteoblast cell response. The surface properties of un-treated and HPDL treated samples were characterized. Contact angles for the un-treated and the HPDL modified titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) were determined with selected biological liquids by the sessile drop technique. The analysis revealed that the wettability of the Ti-6Al-4V improved after HPDL laser treatment, indicating that better interaction with the biological liquids occurred. Moreover, an in vitro human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB 1.19) evaluation revealed a more favourable cell response on the HPDL laser treated Ti-6Al-4V alloy than on either un-treated sample or a mechanically roughened sample. It was consequently determined that the HPDL provides more a controllable and effective technique to improve the biocompatibility of bio-metals. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.