The 316L austenitic stainless steel (SS) was coated by 45S5 bioactive glass produced by melting and sol-gel techniques to increase the bioactivity and to provide a high mechanical strength for orthopedic and dental applications. The morphologies of coated specimens were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the coated specimens were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 degrees C for 14 days, and their microstructures after withdrawal were also investigated by SEM. All the specimens were analyzed by FTIR and XRD in order to survey the formation of hydroxyapatite layer.