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Functionally Gradient Materials (FGM) are considered as a novel concept to implement graded functionality that otherwise cannot be achieved by conventional homogeneous materials. For biomedical applications, an ideal combination of bioactivity on the material surface as well as good physical property (strength/toughness/hardness) of the bulk is required in a designed FGM structure. In this perspective, the present work aims at providing a smooth gradation of functionality (enhanced toughening of the bulk, and retained biocompatibility of the surface) in a spark plasma processed hydroxyapatite-alumina-zirconia (HAp-Al₂O₃-YSZ) FGM bio-composite. In the current work HAp (fracture toughness ~1.5MPa.m^1/2) and YSZ (fracture toughness ~6.2MPa.m^1/2) are coupled with a transition layer of Al₂O₃ allowing minimum gradient of mechanical properties (especially the fracture toughness ~3.5MPa.m^1/2). The in …