A team at Imperial College London has developed the porous glass, which is capable of acting as an active template for new bone growth, dissolving in the body without leaving any trace of it or any toxic chemicals.

As it dissolves it releases calcium and other elements such as silicon into the adjacent body fluids stimulating bone growth, according to the researchers.

The glass activates genes present in human bone cells, which encode proteins controlling the bone cell cycle and the differentiation of the cell to form bone matrix and rapid mineralisation of bone nodules.

"It is the release of soluble silica and calcium ions in specific concentrations that activate the genes. Gene activation occurs only when the timing sequence of the cell cycle is matched by that of the glass surface reactions and controlled release of the ions.

"To allow people to remain active, and to contribute to society for longer, the need for new materials to replace and repair worn out and damaged tissues becomes ever more important," the researchers said.