The History of Nanovation Partners
Nanovation Partners has many licensed Intellectual Properties within the Medical Industry.
Our team is highly trained in nanoscale science, engineering, and medical device implant technology.
Nanovation works with OEM partners to license its technology.
Early Research and Scientific Discovery
Starting in the mid-2000s, the founders of Nanovation Partners sponsored research at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) in the lab of Sungho Jin, PhD. This research showed enhanced osseointegration and reduced implant surface infection by forming thousands of rows of tiny metal oxide nanotubes per square millimeter on the medical implant-to-tissue surface. These nanotubes were formed in the metal oxide surface already present on metal implants.
No new materials were formed, and no synthetic hydroxyapatite or other coating was needed. The group noticed that nearby stem cells treated the nanotube surfaces more like the outer membrane of other cells, and they immediately clung to and branched out on this surface. These cells rapidly spread and differentiated into bone cells. Mineralization and mechanical bonding occurred more quickly and four times more prevalently with nanotube surfaces than non-treated surfaces. Ultimately, in vivo studies showed that this caused a nine times stronger bond between implant and bone tissue after just four weeks.
Development of Nanotube Surface Processing
This early basic research resulted in processing technologies that are relatively simple, inexpensive surface treatments that form metal oxide nanotubes in the metal oxide surface of implantable titanium, tantalum, zirconium, and their alloys. The treatment can be applied to metal-coated polymers, coated cobalt-chrome, coated ceramics, 3-D printed, plasma-sprayed, smooth, or porous implants.
Global Research Validation
Since the extraordinary potential of nanotubes on implants was first published by researchers at UCSD, other research centers around the world have confirmed the original findings.
Patent Portfolio and Intellectual Property
A comprehensive patent portfolio was filed and has since begun issuing with claims that cover the wide range of practical nanotube shapes (diameters, spacing, angulation, lengths, and other characteristics) and various applications for nanotubes on implants.
Additional Licensed Technologies
Nanovation Partners also licensed Intellectual Property (IP) from Washington State University (WSU) related to antimicrobials with silver nanoparticles on nanotubes and other nanostructures, and from the University of Central Florida (UCF) related to nanotube processing and quality control techniques.
Manufacturing and Supply Partnerships
Nanovation Partners has a supply right agreement with an established ISO 13485-qualified manufacturer that processes implants sent from the OEM companies that licensed the technology in specific fields of use.
Clinical Applications in Dentistry
One company has licensed the same technology from UCSD for dental and maxillofacial applications and is seeing clinical success with its 510(k)-cleared dental implant.
Opportunities for Orthopedic OEM Partners
Nanovation Partners is seeking OEM partners in orthopedics who are interested in bringing this innovative technology to spinal, knee, hip, shoulder, joint, foot, ankle, trauma, and other implants that require a faster and more stable bonding interface between implant and tissue than traditional implant surfaces.
Quality Standards and Process Certification
Our exclusive process provider is an ISO 13485-certified qualified vendor currently approved by most major orthopedic companies, and our development and treatment processes likewise fulfill the requirements of ISO 13485.
Our Nanotube Breakthrough Path
From sponsoring early studies to building full nanotube production, we keep medical innovation moving forward. See what we are building and where it is headed.