A method of forming a bioactive coating on a biomedical implant, the method including the step of contacting at least part of the surface of the implant prior to implantation with a plasma gas containing a reactive hydroxylating oxidant species. The step of contacting the surface of the implant prior to implantation with a plasma gas containing a reactive hydroxylating oxidant species may be preceded by a step of exposing the implant to an organosilane or organosilicate species to form a silica coating on at least part of the implant prior to contact with the oxidant species.