Scientists in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, took cubes of bioactive glass and implanted them into the tibias of guinea pigs in 1986. After 8, 12, and 16 weeks of implantation, the guinea pigs were euthanized and their tibias were harvested. The implants and tibias were then subjected to a shear strength test to determine the mechanical properties of the implant to bone boundary, where it was found to have a shear strength of 5 N/mm. Electron microscopy showed the ceramic implants had bone remnants firmly adhered to them. Further optical microscopy revealed bone cell and blood vessel growth within the area of the implant which was proof of biocompatibility between the bone and implant.
Bioactive glass was the first material found to create a strong bond with living bone tissue.