Episode #92 | Nanochon: Joint Repair Layer by Layer

Cartilage injuries sideline millions every year, yet current treatments often fail to restore long-term function. In this episode, Dr. Nathan Castro and Dr. Ben Holmes, co-founders of Nanochon, explain how they are tackling this challenge with a 3D-printed implant designed not only to replace damaged tissue but to help it regrow. What began as a collaboration in a graduate lab has grown into a company now preparing for its first human clinical trial.Their journey began at George Washington University in Dr. Grace Zhong’s tissue engineering lab, where the freedom to explore outside of strict grant-funded projects encouraged bold experimentation. Nathan even purchased specialized materials with his own money to expedite early tests. That investment in curiosity became the foundation for a technology that could change how orthopedic surgeons treat cartilage damage.Nanochon’s implant blends strength with biology. It pairs a smooth articular surface with a porous lattice that integrates directly with surrounding tissue. Traditional approaches, Nathan explains, can be “like filling a pothole with jelly.” By contrast, their device provides stability without the need for sutures or pins. Despite being less than half the thickness of conventional implants, it requires two to three times more force to dislodge, which may result in shorter recovery times for patients.From there, the company advanced step by step. They began with small animal studies in rats, progressed to goats, and finally proved the implant’s strength and integration in horses. These results not only built regulatory confidence but also convinced investors. With Health Canada’s approval for its first-in-human trial, Nanochon stands on the edge of translating a decade of persistence into clinical impact.Ben and Nathan also reveal the realities of building a medical device startup, including raising funds during tight markets, meeting ISO 13485 quality standards, and learning to manage external contractors. This conversation is a rare look behind the curtain of medtech entrepreneurship. It shows how innovation happens in steady layers, built one on top of another, much like 3D printing itself.ShownotesPodcast Engineer: Faith FernandesSend us Fan MailSupport the showSubscribe to our premium version and support the show. Follow us: Twitter  Instagram Linkedin 3DHEALS WebsiteFacebookFacebook GroupYoutube channelAbout Pitch3D