Functionalizations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by phospholipids (PLs) have been manifested well by means of covalent connection between AgNPs with PLs. After functionalization, the attached PLs can self-assemble into bilayer structures on the surfaces of AgNPs. TEM displays the images of pure AgNPs and functionalized AgNPs with certain thickness of the phospholipid bilayers, as a result of chemical connection existing in AgNPs-PL conjugates. UV-vis and IR spectra confirm the strong Ag-S interaction between silver and sulfur produced during the reactions. This new modification method for AgNPs offers a good opportunity to functionalize nanoparticles with biological activity. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.