This paper deals with physical, chemical and biological properties of polymer-ceramic composites based on poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) with the addition of 10, 20 or 30 % (by weight) of hydroxyapatite (HAp) whiskers, produced by a combination of twin-screw extrusion and injection molding techniques. The materials obtained were tested for morphology (scanning electron microscopy), chemical composition (energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy), processing properties (melt flow rates and density), thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry), strength (static tensile test, impact strength) and surface properties (optical profilometry, contact angle measurements). The biological evaluation was performed by in vitro assessment of the manufactured materials’ cytotoxicity, level of colonization by osteo- and fibroblasts and level of adhesion displayed by a microbial pathogen, referred to as the Staphylococcus aureus. The results indicate an influence of the applied processing path on the properties of the filler particles − the apatite whiskers were significantly shortened. On the other hand, we have demonstrated the possibility of obtaining PLLA/HAp composites with good strength parameters, precise geometric shape and slightly improved surface properties. The results of biological evaluation revealed that all of the materials obtained displayed low cytotoxicity and a high level of colonization, irrespective of the content of hydroxyapatite. The only exception was the composite containing 10 % HAp, for which we observed weaker fibroblast adhesion compared to other materials. In turn, the level of colonization by S.aureus grew with the increase in HAp content in polymers. Results of biological evaluation indicate that although obtained polymers display favorable properties in terms of eukaryotic cell adhesion/colonization, they may also provide advantageous surface conditions for bacterial development. Therefore, inclusion of antimicrobial to the materials obtained may be necessary and should be further investigated. Nevertheless, the results obtained certainly provide useful information from the point of view of designing and manufacturing of biocomposites for bone tissue engineering applications.