The nano-hydroxyapatite (NHAp), NHAp/PEG and NHAp/PVP have been derived from Clam shell by precipitation method. The presence of characteristic FTIR peaks and XRD planes indicates the formation of NHAp. Surface morphology of NHAp, NHAp/PEG and NHAp/PVP appeared to be flake, majorly hexagonal and rod clusters like structure, respectively. Sizes of the NHAp are in nanometer scale and size of NHAp/PVP is the lowest. The poor crystalline nature and high carbonate content presence in NHAp/PVP are assessed through crystallinity index, C/P ratio and CHNS analysis. EDX analysis shows the presence of HAp composition in NHAp. The calculated structural parameters expose that the NHAp/PVP shows favorable mechanical property. Good antibacterial activity is observed in NHAp/PVP against two bacteria strains. Hemolysis study also indicates that NHAp/PVP is non-hemolytic. Formation of complete apatite is found when NHAp/PVP immersed in SBF for 14 days. Thus, the NHAp/PVP derived from Clam shell may be useful for bone-related applications. © 2020, © 2020 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group on behalf of The Korean Ceramic Society and The Ceramic Society of Japan.