OUR Technology
At Nanochon, we’ve engineered a next-generation implant designed to address focal cartilage defects, the small but damaging lesions in the cartilage surface of the knee joint that cause pain, loss of function, and reduced quality of life.
Our solution centers on two key innovations:
Advanced Material Design
We’ve developed a fully synthetic, nylon-based composite material that mimics the organized collagen fiber structure of natural cartilage. This gives our implant cartilage-matched mechanical properties — low friction, load-bearing, and able to provide immediate mechanical support to the joint.
Precision 3D Printing
Unlike traditional methods like injection molding or machining, we use advanced 3D printing to create a complex, highly engineered structure. This design not only offers the strength needed for weight-bearing but also acts as a scaffold, supporting the growth of healthy cartilage and bone tissue over time.
How It Works
The implant is designed to fit securely into the damaged area of the knee using a simple press-fit procedure. Once in place, it draws in blood and active cells from the bone underneath, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
Proven Mechanical Performance
Under Real-World Conditions*
Our third-generation Chondrograft™ implant is engineered for strength, stability, and reliability. In rigorous pre-clinical testing designed to simulate the forces experienced during an intensive 42-week rehabilitation program, the implant demonstrated outstanding mechanical performance. All implants remained fully intact under worst-case loading conditions, without any signs of dislodgement, edge separation, or failure.
Complementary pull-out testing confirmed strong fixation, with retention forces exceeding established clinical benchmarks. While some surface cartilage wear was observed, as expected under extreme loading, the implant consistently maintained its position and integrity. These results underscore Chondrograft™’s ability to provide durable, press-fit fixation in challenging environments—supporting successful outcomes in real-world joint repair.
*data on file
Subchondral Bone
2 months
Subchondral Bone
8 Months
Subchondral Bone
12 Months
Designed for the Pre-Replacement Patient
Nanochon’s technology offers a promising option for younger, pre-replacement patients — individuals who are not yet candidates for total knee replacement but whose cartilage damage is too advanced for lifestyle modifications or simple surgical clean-ups.
Our goal is to provide surgeons with an off-the-shelf, shelf-stable implant that bridges the gap between short-term pain relief and major joint replacement surgery while providing a burn-no-bridges solution.