The silver nanoparticles of 7 nm in diameter were controlled to be synthesized under the cooperation of the ethylenediamine and the cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Then, under the electrostatic effect of the silver nanoparticles and with the strong adsorbability of the hydroxyapatite nanoribbon spherites, the two substances were combined to form special nanocomposite spheres. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All fights reserved.