Science students have won national acclaim for coming up with an idea which could save people's teeth.

The students, from the University of Brighton, have designed bio-degradable scaffolding for diseased teeth.

In layman's terms, it is a soya-based framework which melts away naturally once its healing job is done.

If taken on by the dental industry, the product could enable loose and damaged teeth to integrate with the jawbone.

Venture capitalists have been so impressed, they have endorsed the design as a viable commercial enterprise.

Matteo Santin, a senior research fellow at the university, teamed up with colleagues Steve Aljawhiri, Chris Ioannou and Monica Melillo to come up with the business idea in a national challenge involving research students across the UK.

The Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme aims to raise awareness among students and post-doctoral scientists on how research can be converted into commercial success.

The team of four, from Brighton's school of pharmacy and biomolecular sciences, based its idea on a soya bean product used for dental problems.

They won the southern heat of the research challenge, decided by judges including leading venture capitalists, and will now take on 28 teams in the national final at the Department of Trade and Industry in London on December 17.

The four are in line for a £1,000 prize and could go on to develop their idea commercially.

Mr Santin, who is managing director of bioAims, the company the team set up for the contest, said: "Regardless of the outcome, we want to try to use this opportunity as much as we can.

"It is very rewarding because you realise what you do on a daily basis has got a real link with the public and business.

"You can see how your idea can enter a manufacturing process."

In the run-up to the scheme's launch, the team were sent on a four-day workshop to hear lectures on financing a new business, how to write a business plan and how to present their idea.