We investigated the use of TiO2 nanorod films to construct an instructive microenvironment for regulation of biological activity. Rutile TiO2 nanorod films were fabricated via a hydrothermal method. Heat treatment was used to adjust the atomic arrangement order degree of the nanorod surfaces. The influence of changes in the nanorod surface on the films was characterized. The results show that heated nanorod films were well crystallized and the nanorod surfaces had a regular atomic arrangement. Unheated nanorod films had a higher contact angle and lower sensitivity to UV illumination, and showed good capacity for protein adsorption at an early stage, which may lead to better cytocompatibility. The results provide an insight into construction of an appropriate microenvironment for interaction between biomaterials and cells. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.