Surface modification of implant substrate is very important to obtain a biocompatible or functional interface. In this work, MgO film was sol-gel prepared on titanium substrate by sintering at 400 ?C. Microstructure, bioactivity, cytotoxicity and antibacterial property of the obtained film were investigated. It was found that MgO converted to Mg(OH)2 after ageing in air. The film was crack free observed by scanning electron microscopy. It was bioactive in the simulated body fluid test, biocompatible with osteoblast cells and slightly antibacterial against E. Coli. The MgO film would have potential application in surface modification of biomedical titanium implants.