In this work, we report the synthesis of bone-like hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanorods in wheat starch matrix via a biomimetic process. Characterization of the samples was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) were used to determine the size, shape and morphology of nano-HAp. The results indicate that, the shape and morphology of nHAp is influenced by the presence of starch as a template agent and rod-like nHAp similar to the inorganic component in the human body is obtained at room temperature. In vitro bioactivity of the synthesized HAp nanocomposites was finally verified by comparison of the HAp's structures and morphology before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 3, 7, and 14 days. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.