Data available

Titanium (Ti)-based implants, though widely used for bone repair, have limited bioactivity. To enhance this, Ti surfaces made via Laser Melting Deposition (LMD) using Ti and TiC powders were functionalized with 3D microstructures created by laser direct writing through two-photon polymerization (LDW via TPP). The structures—64 vertical IP-Dip polymer microtubes (10–170 μm tall, >94% porosity)—promoted 3D organization of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Compared to non-functionalized Ti, these surfaces led to earlier organic matrix synthesis (day 7 vs. day 14) and mineralization, with higher calcium and phosphorus deposition. Cell traction forces on the microstructures reached hundreds of µN—significantly higher than on ECM-like materials (~nN). These findings highlight the importance of 3D polymeric microarchitectures in enhancing Ti bioactivity.