Explore every episode of the podcast The Lattice (Official 3DHEALS Podcast)
Dive into the complete episode list for The Lattice (Official 3DHEALS Podcast). Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Rows per page:
50
1–46 of 46
Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Episode #76 | Treating Type I Diabetes with FRESH Bioprinting: Interview with Mike Graffeo
15 Jan 2025
00:42:13
Discover FRESH 3D bioprinting with Mike Graffio, CEO and co-founder of Fluoform3D. Having met at Carnegie Mellon University, Mike and Adam Feinberg have been on a mission to revolutionize the field of bioprinting, focusing on creating replacement tissues and organs without introducing foreign substances into the body. Mike shares the captivating journey from their engineering days in the 1990s through a pivotal 2015 conversation that transformed their research into a thriving startup and onto achieving significant milestones like developing living cardiac tissues and heart valves by 2018.
Our conversation uncovers the next frontier in 3D bioprinting, particularly the promising strides in islet cell replacement therapy for diabetes. You'll hear about how the FRESH bioprinitng propels this innovative field forward. With breakthroughs in small animal models showing potential for diabetes management, we explore how the team is gearing up for more extensive studies and human clinical trials. This episode also delves into their strategic fundraising efforts and partnerships to bring these advancements to life.
Summary:
• Overview of Fluoform3D and its founding story • Explanation of FRESH Technology and its significance in bioprinting • Current progress in cardiac applications and in vitro tissues • Ongoing projects related to therapeutic applications for type I diabetes • Insights into navigating funding and building investor relationships • Discussion on regulatory pathways and interactions with the FDA • Emphasis on company culture and team dynamics • Recommendations for industry insights and staying informed about bioprinting trends
Our panel of investors at the 3DHEALS Pitch3D Demo Day 2025 provide 3D printing startups and entrepreneurs advice and opportunities as they start their journey in MedTech.
Nicole Black, PhD (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-black-phd/) is the Program Director for MedTech Innovator, a nonprofit supporting early-stage and mid-stage medical device and diagnostics startups.
Peter Mercelis (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-mercelis-1624358/) is a medical device and 3D printing entrepreneur who has been active in 3D printing industry since 2003.
Dr. Jesse Courtier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-courtiermd/) is Chief of Pediatric Radiology at UCSF Benioff Children’s -San Francisco, Founder of Sira Medical, a venture backed UCSF spinout in the Augmented Reality space, and serves as an advisor to a number of accelerators and VC firms including KidsX and Avon River Ventures.
Episode #79 | The Orthopedic Pulse: AAOS 2025 With Matthew Henshaw
27 Mar 2025
01:08:24
Jenny and Matthew discussed the latest trends and innovations in the orthopedic and medical device industry, including regenerative medicine approaches for joint and spine conditions, new technologies like 3D printing and wireless endoscopes, and workflow management solutions to improve hospital efficiency after Matthew's recent blog about his AAOS 2025 experiences. They highlighted exciting startups like Genix, Osteal Therapeutics, and Ospitek that are disrupting traditional treatment paradigms. Matthew also shared his insights on the changing landscape of industry conferences and the potential impact of politics and regulation on medical innovation. Overall, the conversation covered a wide range of cutting-edge developments that could significantly improve patient outcomes and transform the future of orthopedics.
Introductions and background
Jenny and Matthew introduce themselves and provide background on their respective roles and businesses.
Trends at recent industry conferences
Matthew shares his observations from attending recent industry conferences like the Canaccord Genuity and AAOS events. He notes trends around decreasing surgeon attendance at the larger conferences, and increased interest in regenerative medicine and solutions for prosthetic joint infections (PJI).
Regenerative medicine innovations
Matthew highlights two promising regenerative medicine companies - DiscGenics, Osteal Therapeutics, which has an implantable pain relief solution. He discusses the potential for these innovations to disrupt traditional spine surgery
Advancements in surgical tools and workflow
Matthew discusses new technologies like wireless endoscopes from companies like Lazurite and single-use endoscopes from Pristine Surgical that are improving surgical visualization and sterility. He also highlights Ospitek, a company using real-time patient tracking to optimize hospital workflow and efficiency.
Potential impact of political changes
Matthew shares his perspective on how the new Trump administration may impact medical device companies.
Recap and future outlook
Jenny and Matthew conclude by discussing the dynamic and evolving nature of the medtech industry, and the importance of remaining optimistic about the potential for innovation to improve patient outcomes, despite political and economic uncertainties.
Episode #78 | Bones, Paws, and Pixels: The 3D Revolution in Vet Medicine (Virtual Event Recording)
21 Mar 2025
02:04:08
Learn how 3D printing technology is revolutionizing veterinary medicine with applications from orthopedic correction guides to custom-made titanium implants for cancer patients.
• 3D printing allows unprecedented precision in complex veterinary surgeries • Orthopedic surgical guides can correct deformities within two degrees of accuracy • Custom implants enable limb-sparing procedures for bone cancer patients • Neurosurgical applications make pedicle screw placement safer for spinal fixation • Maxillofacial reconstruction with 3D printed implants offers solutions for trauma and cancer cases • Manufacturing standards remain a concern as veterinary implants lack human-grade regulations • Technology has evolved from simple models to complex guide systems in less than a decade • Educational models with bone-like properties are enhancing surgical training • Proper CT imaging techniques are crucial for successful 3D model creation • Collaboration between surgeons and engineers produces the best outcomes
Join us on this journey through cutting-edge veterinary medicine and see how this technology could benefit your practice or pet.
Episode #77 | Orthopedics Meets 3D Printing: A Journey Into the Future
27 Feb 2025
02:05:29
We examine the pivotal role of 3D printing technology in reshaping orthopedic implants and enhancing patient outcomes in this virtual event. This discussion navigates the crossroads of innovation and caregiving in modern medicine by featuring expert insights from industry leaders.
• Focus on patient-specific implants and their clinical implications • Discussion on biocompatible materials and new technologies • Regulatory landscape for 3D-printed orthopedic devices • Insights on surgical practices and patient recovery trends • The benefits of personalization in surgical interventions • Investigations into osseointegration and design efficacy • Evolving market dynamics and future trends in 3D printing
Listen to this virtual event recording, a thought-provoking exploration of 3D printing's revolution in healthcare and the impact of innovation in the orthopedic space!
Full on-demand recording: https://3dheals.com/courses/3d-printed-devices-in-orthopedics/
Episode #80 | Live from San Francisco: Innovation in 3D Printing & Bioprinting
13 Apr 2025
01:29:57
3DHEALS kicked off its first in-person/hybrid event in 2025 in San Francisco, welcoming investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the space. The healthcare industry is transforming, driven by 3D printing and bioprinting technologies redefining patient care. This exclusive in-person hybrid event offered an opportunity to explore the latest advancements in custom prosthetics, implants, bioprinted tissues, and scaffolds. The remarkable convergence of 3D printing and healthcare transforms medicine through customized solutions that weren't possible a decade ago. This episode brings together five leaders in the healthcare field who are harnessing additive manufacturing to solve real clinical problems and improve patient outcomes.
Summary:
3D-printed spinal implants have evolved from simple titanium cages to sophisticated expandable devices that restore alignment and relieve nerve compression
Patient-specific radiation shields protect healthy tissue during cancer treatment, reducing devastating side effects like oral mucositis
Bioprinted organoids are creating human-derived testing platforms for drug discovery
3D-printed trabecular metal structures are providing better bone integration for joint replacements
AR/VR integration with 3D printing is a robust tool for surgical planning, training, and patient education..
Evidence-based innovation remains critical, focusing on validated clinical problems rather than technology for technology's sake.
The shift toward ambulatory surgical centers drives demand for minimally invasive solutions that 3D printing can uniquely deliver.
Investment in medical 3D printing continues as clinical applications expand.
The experts emphasize that successful innovation must be evidence-based, addressing validated clinical problems rather than pursuing complexity for its own sake. The speakers agreed, "Just because it's complex doesn't mean it's better." This wisdom encapsulates the mindful approach needed as we continue exploring the vast potential of 3D printing in healthcare.
SUBSCRIBE to join us at future 3DHEALS conferences to connect with innovators and investors in the rapidly evolving field of 3D printing for healthcare applications.
Episode #81 | From J&J to the Future: Sam Onukuri's 30-Year Adventure in 3D Printed Medical Devices
19 Apr 2025
01:20:55
Sam Onukuri takes us through his remarkable 30-year journey at Johnson & Johnson, where he transformed the landscape of medical devices through pioneering work in 3D printing technology. As a material scientist who led the development of J&J's Center of Excellence for additive manufacturing, Sam offers rare insights into how a global healthcare giant approached innovation and personalized medicine.
The conversation reveals the fascinating evolution of medical 3D printing from basic prototyping to FDA-approved implants. Sam shares the story behind breakthrough products, such as the TrueMatch graft cage – a PCL-based, bioabsorbable scaffold for bone reconstruction that has dramatically improved patient outcomes. His candid assessment of where personalization succeeds (craniomaxillofacial implants) and where it falls short (knee replacements) provides a nuanced perspective rarely found in technology discussions.
We examine the unexpected challenges that have shaped the industry, including the complex regulatory landscape, the emergence of surgical robots, and the economic realities that have tempered some early expectations. Sam's firsthand experience with point-of-care printing initiatives and customized surgical instruments provides valuable lessons about striking a balance between innovation and practicality in healthcare settings.
Looking toward the future, Sam identifies promising frontiers, including bioprinting, advancements in materials science, and the integration of AI with 3D printing technologies. For students and professionals considering careers in this field, he emphasizes the importance of strong engineering fundamentals and experiencing both startup and corporate environments to develop a comprehensive skill set.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, engineer, investor, or simply curious about how medical innovation occurs, this conversation offers an authentic glimpse into the triumphs, setbacks, and unrealized dreams that continue to shape the future of personalized medicine and additive manufacturing.
Episode #86 | AI's Vital Role in Medical 3D Printing (Virtual Event Recording)
29 Jun 2025
01:48:39
Artificial intelligence is transforming medical 3D printing and bioprinting. In this virtual event, hear from a panel of experts from across the globe. Our speakers showcase the practical applications of AI in creating personalized medical solutions that were previously impossible.
One size does not fit all. William Jung, Business Development Director of FITme in South Korea, explains how AI-driven customized silicone implants are revolutionizing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Using a design screening engine that reduces design time from hours to minutes, FITme’s technology has supported over 30,000 surgical cases and captured 85% of the Korean market.
At the National University of Singapore, Dr. Gopu Sriram explores dental applications of 3D bioprinting. He discusses how an AI-optimized bioprinting process allow for the biofabrication of personalized gum tissue constructs. Gum disease is a worldwide public health burden that affects almost half adults over age thirty. This solution not only addresses these patients, but dramatically accelerates experimental timelines.
Dr. Gregory Hayes brings in the business perspective and shares how EOS Additive Minds is implementing AI across multiple fronts to democratize access to additive manufacturing. Their systems incorporate advanced monitoring tools capable of making real-time adjustments during printing. This allows medical professionals to stay focused on patient outcomes over technical issues.
Focusing on women's health, Aye Nyein San from Cosm Medical shared how their AI-powered digital gynecologic devices are giving women their lives back, with patients describing their products as "magical" and "life-changing."
What makes this event so compelling to listen to is how our speakers illustrate AI’s ability to break down long-standing barriers to 3D printing adoption. By automating complex design decisions and enhancing process reliability, AI is turning specialized, expertise-heavy workflows into scalable, patient-centered solutions.
Ready to explore how AI and 3D printing could effect your medical practice or research? Subscribe to our podcast for more insights into this rapidly evolving field, and join our community of innovators.
Episode #85 | Jetting the Impossible: Ben Hartkopp on Printing Ultra-Viscous Materials
01 Jun 2025
00:22:54
Printhead technology may not sound revolutionary, but what if it could radically transform the way we manufacture everything from electric motors to medical implants? That's exactly what Ben Harkoff and his team at Quantica have achieved with their breakthrough inkjet system that can handle materials 10-20 times more viscous than any conventional technology.
Starting in 2018 with a simple goal of printing electronics, Ben's team became frustrated when every existing printhead failed spectacularly when trying to eject viscous resins. Their solution? Design something completely new using piezo crystal actuators and compliant mechanisms that could amplify deformation. This innovation unlocked the ability to print materials with viscosities ranging from 250 millipascal-seconds at operating temperatures to 15,000 millipascal-seconds at room temperature, opening up vast new possibilities for manufacturing.
What's particularly fascinating is Quantica's journey from 3D printing visionaries to practical problem-solvers. As Ben candidly shares, the company discovered its most immediate impact wasn't in creating complete 3D-printed products but in revolutionizing existing manufacturing processes. Their technology now enables precision deposition of adhesives for e-motors, replacing inefficient dispensing methods and potentially improving motor efficiency. They've validated the printing of true platinum-catalyzed silicone (SYLGARD 184) without additives—a breakthrough for medical applications—and are exploring how viscoelastic materials enhance cell viability for bioprinting applications.
Whether you're interested in manufacturing technology, materials science, or how startups navigate the challenging path from invention to commercial success, this conversation offers valuable insights. Ben's advice for aspiring inventors? "Become obsessed and become an expert in research... train your attention span... and learn about politics, because part of the job is not only the technical depth but also dealing with people." Listen now to discover how printing the unprintable is creating entirely new possibilities across industries.
Episode #84 | Tuan Tranpham On 3D Printing Mega-Trends
08 May 2025
00:58:55
Tuan Tranpham shares his extraordinary journey from Vietnamese refugee to 3D printing industry leader, offering unique insights on industry evolution, technological innovation, and future trends. His global perspective bridges Eastern and Western manufacturing approaches while highlighting continuous carbon fiber printing opportunities and microfactory development.
Vietnamese refugee turned global 3D printing leader
3D printing in 2003, after Z Corp
The Journey: 3D Systems, Desktop Metal, Anisoprint
Industry consolidation and integration strategies
Carbon fiber 3D printing for aerospace and defense
Highlights China’s rapid rise in 3D printing innovation
AI, robotics, and AM will enable portable microfactories
Episode #83 | Ceramics, Conferences, and the Future of 3D Printing With Craig Rosenblum
02 May 2025
00:49:31
When EOS president Glynn Fletcher declared "3D printing is cool, but cool is not a business model" at Rapid TCT 2025, he captured the evolution across the additive manufacturing landscape. In this eye-opening conversation with Craig Rosenblum, president of Himed, we explore how the industry matures beyond technological demonstrations toward practical, sustainable applications.
Craig brings a unique perspective as both a materials science expert and the leader of a 35-year-old biomaterials company (Himed) that has adapted to incorporate 3D printing into its portfolio. He walks us through the shifts he observed at North America's largest 3D printing conference, where the atmosphere has noticeably changed from previous years' technology showcases to focused discussions on industry-specific solutions.
The conversation reveals fascinating developments, from the MIT startup creating "gravity-defying" materials through Rapid Liquid Printing in hydrogels to the reality behind AI buzzwords in additive manufacturing. We discuss how the ecosystem surrounding 3D printing is expanding, with increased participation from supporting industries like materials suppliers and testing laboratories, who recognize their crucial role in advancing the technology.
Perhaps most compelling is the emphasis on collaboration over competition. As Stratasys CEO Yoav Zeif noted, "The competition is status quo" - a recognition that advancing additive manufacturing requires collective effort across sectors rather than siloed approaches. This collaborative mindset particularly resonates in healthcare applications, where improved patient outcomes provide a powerful shared purpose.
Whether you're a 3D printing professional, healthcare innovator, or curious about how manufacturing is evolving, this conversation offers valuable insights into an industry at an inflection point - moving from what's possible to what's useful, from technological spectacle to sustainable transformation.
Episode #82 | Advancing Microfluidic Technology Through 3D Printing (Virtual Event Recording)
29 Apr 2025
01:31:39
Peering into the microscopic world of fluid channels just got a revolutionary upgrade. At this 3DHEALS event, we explore the transformative impact of 3D printing on microfluidic device development with industry experts and researchers at the cutting edge of this technology convergence. Our speakers share how specialized 3D printing systems are overcoming traditional fabrication limitations, enabling rapid prototyping and the creation of revolutionary new designs.
Summary:
Hamdeep Patel from CatWorks3D discusses a specialized 3D printing system optimized for microfluidics with unbeatable feature resolution.
CatWorks3D’s CytoClear material achieves 90% cell viability with optical transparency for direct microscopic analysis.s
Paul Marshall from RapidFluidics provides rapid microfluidic prototyping services for researchers and companies worldwide.
Professor Christopher Moraes from McGill University utilizes 3D-printed parts combined with biocompatible materials for advanced organoid culture applications.
Jeff Schultz from Phase AM is developing technology to directly 3D print PDMS (Silgard 184) without modifications.
Key adoption factors include leveraging 3D printing's unique capabilities rather than replicating 2D designs.
The integration of world-to-chip interfaces, such as Luer locks, significantly improves device reliability.
Creating truly 3D structures with complex internal geometries represents the future of microfluidics.
The consensus is clear: successful adoption requires leveraging 3D printing's unique capabilities rather than simply replicating 2D designs. As these technologies mature, we are witnessing the emergence of truly three-dimensional microfluidic systems with integrated functionality that promises to revolutionize diagnostics, drug development, and biological research.
SUBSCRIBE to join us at future 3DHEALS conferences to connect with innovators and investors in the rapidly evolving field of 3D printing for healthcare applications.
Episode #87 | Lattice News Summary: The Bioprinting Revolution & More
10 Jul 2025
00:23:49
This is an AI-generated audio version of the news section of the Lattice Newsletter. You can find the full newsletter, including a list of recent healthcare 3D printing and bioprinting news here.
• US Army developing field-deployable bioprinting labs for creating custom skin grafts in combat zones • Stanford researchers designing organ-scale vascular trees for 3D-printed hearts 200 times faster than previous methods • First patient treated with a bioengineered external liver (ELAP) for acute liver failure • Researchers creating 3D bioprinted brain models that mimic real neural networks for studying Alzheimer's • FDA-cleared monolithic full-color 3D printed dentures (Trudent) revolutionizing dental prosthetics • New polymer blend for 3D printed medical devices kills 99.99999% of common bacteria • World's first 3D-printed femur transplant in an 8-year-old child in Vietnam • Healthcare systems bringing 3D printing capabilities directly into hospitals for point-of-care manufacturing • Six key trends: hyper-personalization, point-of-care manufacturing, advanced materials, increased efficiency, addressing healthcare challenges, and regulatory progress
Episode #91 | 3D Printed Pharmaceuticals (Virtual Event Recording)
21 Aug 2025
01:45:00
What if your medication could be made just for you? No more pill overload and no more awkward dosing workarounds. Just the exact treatment you need when you need it. That is the promise of 3D printed pharmaceuticals.
Drug manufacturing has relied on a one-size-fits-all model for decades. Nearly half of all medications lack proper formulations for children and seniors are often left struggling to manage boxes of pills each day. It is time for a smarter, more personal approach.
In this episode, you will hear how innovators around the world are reimagining what medicine can be. Dr. Alvaro Goyanes, CEO and Co-Founder of FABRX, explains how his team launched the world’s first clinical application of 3D printed drugs in 2018, paving the way for personalized dosing. From Singapore, Dr. Seng Han Lim, Co-Founder and COO of Craft Health, describes how their heat-free printing technology protects fragile biologics that traditional methods destroy. And in Finland, Dr. Niklas Sandler, Founder and CTO of CurifyLabs, shows how they are bringing 3D printing directly into pharmacies with compact printers and cartridge systems, giving pharmacists the ability to produce safe, customized medicines on demand. To ensure these advances are reliable and widely adopted, Dr. Thomas Forbes of the NIST shares how the institute is building essential measurement standards for printed pharmaceuticals.
From shrinking the pill burden for tuberculosis patients to tailoring cancer treatments for individuals, the breakthroughs are already here. The possibilities are just as striking looking ahead. Just think of on-demand medicines in disaster zones, or astronauts printing personalized therapies on long space missions.
This conversation offers a front-row seat to the future of medicine, whether you are a healthcare professional, technologist, or patient advocate. Tune in as we explore how 3D printing is not only changing the way drugs are made, but also redefining what medicine can mean.
Episode #90 | 3D Printing Across Decades with Lee Dockstader
14 Aug 2025
01:05:56
Lee Dockstader takes us on a fascinating journey through the commercialization of 3D printing in healthcare, drawing from his decades of experience with industry giants like HP and 3D Systems. Dockstader is one of the major pioneers of the 3D printing revolution that helped transform medical applications today.
The conversation takes us behind the curtain of industry-defining moments few people know about. One is the story of Invisalign. Today it’s a household name, but in its early years Align Technology struggled to survive. Orthodontists resisted the innovation, and for nearly a decade the company failed to turn a profit. It was only when dentists began to embrace the technology that it found its footing. We explore why some healthcare segments adopt 3D printing rapidly while others move at glacial pace, and the fascinating business dynamics that determine success beyond just having superior technology.
Dockstader then goes on to give his account of the hearing aid industry's rapid transformation. Unlike dental's decades-long evolution, hearing aid manufacturing converted entirely to 3D printing within just five years in the early 2000s. The perfect storm of new scanning technology, specialized resins, and advanced printers led to dramatic improvements: reducing remake rates from 20% to 5% and transforming a craft that took a year to master into a skill learnable in days. With five companies controlling 80% of the market, once one adopted the technology, competitors had no choice but follow.
Looking toward the future, Dockstader shares his surprise that 3D printed eyewear hasn't yet achieved mainstream adoption despite its obvious benefits. With conventional frames offering limited sizing options despite high tooling costs, 3D printing could provide perfectly fitted frames for diverse facial structures at competitive prices.
As he looks back on his career, Lee Dockstader leaves listeners with a clear message. Persistence pays off, and finding the right champions within an industry can be the key to turning groundbreaking ideas into world-changing realities.
Stay tuned for show notes with relevant links and resources.
Episode #89 | The Bioprinting Frontier (Live Recording)
24 Jul 2025
01:39:50
The future of medicine is growing closer to recreating the very building blocks of life itself. In this groundbreaking discussion, four bioprinting experts reveal how their technologies are moving rapidly from laboratory concepts to clinical realities that could forever change how we treat disease.
Mike Graffeo, the CEO and co-founder of FluidForm Bio, shares the group's remarkable progress toward eliminating insulin injections for type 1 diabetes patients. Their FRESH 3D bioprinting technology creates implants that produce insulin naturally in response to blood glucose. "Life should not come with a needle," Graffeo emphasizes, highlighting how their approach could deliver a functional cure.
Other leaders in bioprinting go on to share their unqiue approaches to 3D innovation in medicine. Annaliese Vojnich, Business Development and Technical Sales Manager at ViscoTec America, demonstrates how Puredyne's progressive cavity pump technology achieves precise extrusion while maintaining cell viability.
Dr. Jorge Madrid-Wolff, Application Scientist, reveals Readily3D's volumetric printing, which creates complex structures in seconds rather than hours, enabling functional mammary gland models that produce milk proteins and beating cardiac tissue. Dr. Karolina Valente, Founder and CEO, explains how VoxCell BioInnovation's vascularized tissue models are addressing the 95% failure rate of oncology drugs in clinical trials by providing more translatable data than animal testing.
Ready to witness firsthand how bioprinting is transforming from science fiction into medical reality? This discussion provides both the scientific foundations and practical pathways that will bring these revolutionary technologies from laboratory benches to hospital bedsides within the next decade.
Episode #88 | Shaping Veterinary Medicine in 3D with Dr. Bill Oxley
17 Jul 2025
00:59:19
What happens when cutting-edge technology meets veterinary expertise? Precision, innovation, and better outcomes for our four-legged family members.
Dr. Bill Oxley, a prominent figure in veterinary orthopaedics, walks us through the evolving world of 3D-guided veterinary surgery. With years of surgical experience behind him, Dr. Oxley began to question the limits of traditional planning methods. Complex bone deformities that looked manageable on initially often became challenges in the operating room. The tools weren’t the problem. The planning was. His solution? Bringing veterinary orthopedics into the three-dimensional world through advanced imaging, computer-aided design, and 3D printing.
Dr. Oxley's approach helped 3D planning completely change how we asses deformities for the better. The shift from struggling with conventional 2D planning to creating precise surgical guides. These custom guides allow surgeons to make exactly the right cuts in exactly the right places, dramatically improving outcomes for patients with complex orthopedic conditions. The emotional highlight comes when he shares the story of a Great Dane with bone cancer who, thanks to this technology, went from facing amputation to running joyfully on the beach just weeks after reconstructive surgery.
Beyond the technical aspects, we explore the business challenges of building Vet3D, the global adoption of these techniques, and how pet insurance dramatically impacts which animals can access these life-changing procedures. For pet owners, this conversation offers invaluable insights into what's possible when your beloved companion faces orthopedic challenges.
Curious about the cutting edge of veterinary care? Want to understand how technology is expanding what's possible for our pets? This episode will leave you amazed at how far veterinary medicine has come and hopeful about where it's heading. Connect with Dr. Bill directly at bill@vet3d.co.uk to learn more about these groundbreaking approaches.
Show notes, photo gallery, resource links: Please see our show notes here.
Episode #92 | Nanochon: Joint Repair Layer by Layer
27 Aug 2025
01:09:48
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.