Cell-selective toxic titanium is highly desired in clinical dental practice. Herein, based on the in situ conversion of ZnO to ZnO@ZnS, nanorod-array structured coatings with a controllable release features of zinc (Zn), has been successfully fabricated by a two-step hydrothermal method to endow titanium surface with cell-selectivity, i.e. boosting the functions (attachment and migration) of human gingival fibroblasts (HGnFs) while acting against the invasion of pathogenic bacteria. The improved functions of HGnFs over the ZnO@ZnS nanorod-array were attributed to the material's optimized zinc release, which was decreased from an order of 3.5 mg L-1 to about 0.3 mg L-1 (within the first week). But more importantly, this concentration still had a high antibacterial efficacy up to 100% (against both the S. aureus and E. coli, 10(7) CFU mL(-1)). This study demonstrated that a ZnO@ZnS nanorod-array coating could be a promising strategy to endow titanium dental implants with improved soft tissue sealing and effectively reduce peri-implantitis. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.