Gold nanoparticles (NPs) with mean diameters of around 2 nm were successfully deposited onto the inorganic support hydroxyapatite to give the Au/HAP catalyst. The Au/HAP catalyst showed appreciably high catalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation of glucose to produce sodium gluconate at room temperature. Glucose conversions of 100% and sodium gluconate yield of 90.9% were achieved after 1 h at room temperature by the use of 0.5 equiv. Na2CO3. The developed catalytic system was easily-handed for the production of sodium gluconate. In addition, the Au/HAP catalyst was stable and could be reused for several times without the loss of its catalytic activity. Au/HAP catalyst showed high activity and stability on the aerobic oxidation of glucose. [GRAPHICS] .