Component Two Home Component One Component Two Component Three Team Profile Assessment Products Trade Organization New Product Cartilage injury is a common affliction among all age groups.  Scientists are still searching for a way to treat significantly damaged cartilage so that the patient can remain active.  The solution has been partially solved through the process of implanting cartilage-producing cells.  The rebuilding of cartilage involves many factors, including the shape in which the cartilage forms.  This requires the research of specific growth factors to produce the  appropriate shape of the new cartilage. Some new techniques have been developed and are being tested.  A couple of procedures are featured under the 'products' heading.  The search for permanent cartilage repair is a subject being studied around the world and all over the U.S. . Many scientists are members of professional trade organizations so they can communicate with others and compare results from experiments and studies.  The cartilage that we are aiming to repair and regrow is hyaline cartilage.  This type of cartilage is located primarily in joints such as the knees. The ground substances that make up hylaline cartilage are water and glycosaminoglycans, which contain hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and keratan sulfate.  Cartilage also contains type II collagen fibers.  Within the cartilage are also cartilage cells, chondroblasts and chondrocytes.  Cartilage is difficult to repair because of the lack of blood supply. Among other things, it has a dense matrix so the repair cells cannot migrate.  It is a connective tissue made primarily of water.  This makes it difficult to transport nutrients when the  cartilage becomes damaged.  Some helpful terminology: Chondrocytes - Cartilage cells that produce the cartilage matrix. Matrix - A stiff spongy tissue produced by cartilage cells.  It makes up more than 90% of cartilage tissue. Peptides - various amides that are formed by two or more  amino acids Hyaline Cartilage - the cartilage present in joints such as knees and shoulders. source: Merriam-Webster online dictionary