Development of a microfluidics-based intracochlear drug delivery device

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Direct drug delivery to the inner ear is crucial for emerging therapies targeting degenerative disorders and regeneration.
• Current methods face challenges in precise and controlled agent administration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fully implantable drug delivery system for the inner ear using microfluidics/MEMS technology.
• To achieve timed and sequenced delivery of therapeutic agents directly into the cochlear perilymph.

Main Methods:

• A microfluidics/MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) approach was used to create a reciprocating inner-ear drug-delivery system.
• The prototype device was tested in guinea pigs to optimize flow characteristics for safe and effective delivery.
• The glutamate receptor blocker DNQX was used as a test agent to assess delivery effects.

Main Results:

• Safe and effective delivery of agents into the scala tympani was demonstrated.
• Rapid drug equilibration (within tens of minutes) was observed in the basal turn.
• Delivery efficacy was found to be dependent on reciprocating flow parameters.

Conclusions:

• A prototype system for direct inner ear drug delivery has been developed.
• The system utilizes a fully implantable, reciprocating design for precise agent administration.
• This technology holds promise for the safe and effective treatment of hearing loss and other inner ear diseases.