# Div. Supplement: Performance Evaluation of a non-Degradable Synthetic Device for Chondral and Osteochondral Defects of the Knee

> **NIH NIH R44** · HYDRO-GEN, LLC · 2020 · $104,807

## Abstract

Traumatic injury to the joint can cause the formation of defects in the articular cartilage and underlying
bone leading to reduced joint function caused by pain and locking of the joint. Hydro-Gen has been
developing a non-degradable osteochondral implant that consists of a porous hydrogel edge, a solid
hydrogel core, and a porous titanium (pTi) base that fills the defect and restores joint mechanics. Pilot
animal trials with this design have shown robust host cartilage and bone integration into the implant. While
the results from the current implant have proven to be favorable, Hydro-Gen has begun to explore a next
generation design in which the pTi would be replaced with a polymer. The polymer base would allow for
easier imaging (avoiding metal artifact), easier revision, and in theory, allow for use of larger implants to
treat larger defects. To this end, Hydro-Gen has recently been in contact with Oxford Performance Materials
(OPM) who have developed a 3D printable poly(ether ketone ketone), PEKK, that has mechanical
properties similar to bone and can be printed in a similar geometry as the current pTi design. While the
material is promising, the performance of this material in the complex environment of the knee has not been
characterized. Therefore, the objective of this supplement is to optimize and characterize implants made
with PEKK and compare mechanical properties and in vivo performance to the current pTi design. To
complete this goal, Hydro-Gen will work with OPM to optimize the 3D printing process to be within the
design tolerances for the base. Additionally, Hydro-Gen will work with our third party manufacturing
company, RK Manufacturing, to adapt and optimize the current implant manufacturing process for the
inclusion of the PEKK bases – the manufacturability of the PEKK based implants will be determined
through shear testing of the hydrogel-polymer interface as well as hydrogel overflow onto the base and
measurements of the as manufactured implants.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10089242
- **Project number:** 3R44AR067533-02A1S1
- **Recipient organization:** HYDRO-GEN, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** TONY CHEN
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $104,807
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2019-09-01 → 2021-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10089242

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10089242, Div. Supplement: Performance Evaluation of a non-Degradable Synthetic Device for Chondral and Osteochondral Defects of the Knee (3R44AR067533-02A1S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10089242. Licensed CC0.

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