Zinc is one of the trace elements which induce the proliferation and the differentiation of the osteoblast. In the previous study, we found that zinc ions (Zn2(+) ion)-releasing titanium implants had excellent bone fixation using a rabbit femurs model. In this study, we isolated the Zn2(+) ions (eluted Zn2(+) ion; EZ) released from the implant surface, and evaluated the effect of EZ on the osteogenesis of human bone marrowderived mesenchymal cells (hBMCs). In the result, it was found that the EZ stimulated cell viability, osteoblast marker gene (type I collagen, osteocalcin (OC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP)) expressions and calcium deposition in hBMCs. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.