pSivida
Australian biotech company pSivida is co-operating with London's St Thomas Hospital and King's College to develop the medical use of biosilicon.
Biosilicon technology involves a modified form of the material in silicon chips, with the emphasis on drug delivery implants and orthopaedic devices.
Chairman Dr Roger Aston said: 'Silicon offers the chance to target diseases such as cancer without any side effects.'
'Rather than using a sledgehammer, it offers the opportunity to be more specific.'