Osteomyelitis remains one of the most challenging diseases for orthopedic doctors despite the advancement of therapeutic techniques. Biomaterials with antibacterial activities are beneficial to prevent infection post im-plantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of three biomaterials including pure-hydroxyapatite (HA), Ag-HA and Ag-HA/ZnO. The prepared materials were analyzed by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), cell adhesion and long-service antibacterial ability. The results showed that with the increase of silver content, the growth of whiskers was inhibited and the aspect ratio became smaller. Nano-zinc oxide is evenly attached on the surface of the whiskers. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staph-ylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were used for antibacterial tests. The results showed that Ag-HA and Ag-HA/ZnO had good antibacterial ability against E. coli and S. aureus. Thus, the low amount of Ag-HA has a potential of minimizing the risk of bacterial contamination, without compromising the bioactivity, and is expected to display greater biological efficacy in terms of osseointegration. Ag+ and ZnO particles have a synergistic effect and can effectively kill most bacteria. At the same time, with the degradation of hydroxyapatite, Ag+ is slowly released, which can play a long-term antibacterial effect.