Hydroxyapatite-poly(l-lactide) nanohybrids via surface-initiated ATRP for improving bone-like apatite-formation abilities

► A new strategy based on ATRP to prepare HA-poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) nanohybrids was developed. ► Dispersibility of HA nanoparticles in PLLA matrix was significantly improved by applying HA-PLLA nanohybrids. ► With the good dispersion of HA-PLLA nanohybrids, PLLA/HA-PLLA nanocomposites demonstrated improved bone-like apatite-formation ability in simulated body fluids (SBF).