ZnO structures were electro-hydrothermally grown on copper and silver wires. To characterize the structures, multiple analyses including field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence measurements were performed on the ZnO structures on the wires. Results indicate that ZnO nanoflakes were densely deposited on the silver wire but poor ZnO structures were grown on the copper wire. Furthermore, OD 600 antibacterial tests revealed that ZnO flakes on the silver wire exhibited better antibacterial capability than the silver wire without ZnO nanoflakes. Because of possible integration with silver-related materials and flexibility of wire structures, ZnO nanoflake-coated silver wires have potentials for future antiseptic and biomedical applications.