History of Innovation

History of Innovation


From a small tissue bank at the University of Florida to an industry leading global regenerative medicine contract development and manufacturing organization, RTI Surgical (RTI) has a strong history of innovation.


RTI Surgical Acquires Cook Biotech

February 2024

RTI acquired Cook Biotech, enhancing its regenerative medicine CDMO capabilities and expanding its differentiated portfolio of allograft and xenograft biomaterials.

RTI Celebrates 25-year Anniversary and Milestone of Distributing More Than 11 Million Tissue-Based Implants

February 2023

RTI celebrated a significant global milestone of distributing more than 11 million tissue-based implants processed through RTI’s proprietary sterilization processes with zero confirmed-incidence of implant-associated infection.

Spin off of Metals Business

January 2022

RTI Surgical spins off the Metals business in Marquette, MI, enabling each company to focus on their markets and distinct core competencies. Today, RTI provides surgeons with safe tissue-based implants.

Sale of OEM Business

July 2020

Montagu Private Equity LLP acquires RTI Surgical’s OEM business, creating new opportunities to accelerate innovation, maximize the gift of donation and serve as a leader in design, new product development and manufacturing.

RTI Celebrates 20-year Anniversary and Milestone of Providing More Than 8 Million Biologic Implants

April 2018

RTI celebrated a significant global milestone of providing more than 8 million biologic implants processed through RTI’s proprietary sterilization processes with zero confirmed incidence of implant-associated infection.

RTI Biologics Becomes RTI Surgical®

July 2013

RTI acquired Marquette, Mich.-based Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc., a global manufacturer of metal and synthetic implants, becoming RTI Surgical. In July 2013, the acquisition resulted in an expanded product portfolio.

Regeneration Technologies merges with Tutogen to form RTI Biologics®

February 2008

In February 2008, Regeneration Technologies became a global company after merging with Tutogen, creating RTI Biologics, Inc. Both companies were located in Progress Park in Alachua, Fla. Following the merger, RTI became one of the leading providers of sterile biologic implants for surgeries, offering surgeons both allograft and xenograft implants.

Assembled Implant Patent

August 2002

US Patent for assembled bone implants issued on August 6, 2002.

BioCleanse® Tissue Sterilization Process developed

March 2000

In March 2000, RTI made history in the allograft industry by developing its patented BioCleanse Tissue Sterilization Process. The BioCleanse Process is a low-temperature chemical sterilization process that inactivates or removes bacteria, fungi, spores and viruses from tissue without compromising the tissue’s biocompatibility or structural integrity.

Regeneration Technologies, Inc. Begins Operations

February 1998

RTI began operations as Regeneration Technologies in Alachua, Fla. In February 1998, the University of Florida Tissue Bank transferred its allograft processing operations, related equipment and technologies, distribution arrangements, and research and development activities to Regeneration Technologies. This spin-off from the University of Florida (UF) is one of the most successful UF technology transfers to date.

Precision tooled allograft introduced

January 1996

The first allograft to be precision tooled, a threaded cortical dowel, was introduced by University of Florida Tissue Bank.

Tutogen Medical® Opens Facility in Germany

October 1992

In October 1992, Tutogen Medical (Tutogen) opens a facility in Neunkirchen am Brand, Germany. Tutogen manufactures safe, high-quality xenograft and allograft implants for use in surgeries around the globe.

Tutoplast® Tissue Sterilization Process developed

January 1969

The Tutoplast Tissue Sterilization Process was developed to sterilize and preserve tissue for implantation. The Tutoplast Process inactivates pathogens and removes bacteria, and the low dose gamma irradiation ensures sterility of the final packaged implant.