Calcium carbonate hybrid coating promotes the formation of biomimetic hydroxyapatite on titanium surfaces

•CaCO3 continuous films were deposited on titanium discs using a biomimetic approach.•The coatings origin hydroxyapatite when immersed in simulated body fluid.•The wettability and the free energy of the surfaces were increased after the treatment.•The coated titanium discs are bioactive and non-toxic to osteoblasts.