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• Hydrothermal sterilization can be used for final surface modification. • Ag was combined on to hydroxyapatite (HA) coating as silver phosphate, Ag 3 PO 4. • Sterilized Ag-contained HA coating showed excellent antibacterial property. Plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings are widely used on bone implants due to excellent osteoconductivity. However, the coating also provides an appropriate environment for biofilm formation. To prevent bacteria adhesion, this study tried to modify the HA coating with silver (Ag) by hydrothermal sterilization in dilute silver nitrate (AgNO 3) solution at 121 °C for 20 min. Surface morphology, phase and chemical composition and antibacterial ability of the sterilized coating were investigated. After treatment, Ag was successfully incorporated onto the HA coating surface as in situ growing silver phosphate (Ag 3 PO 4) compound and the distribution of Ag element was homogeneously. Inhibition zone test showed that, the sterilized HA coating had an excellent antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). This simple and feasible method shows promising potential for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]