Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026

09:18
A Comparative Study of Drug Delivery Methods Targeted to the Mouse Inner Ear: Bullostomy Versus Transtympanic Injection
Published on: March 8, 2017
14.2K
An Overview of Nanoparticle Based Delivery for Treatment of Inner Ear Disorders
Ilmari Pyykkö1,2, Jing Zou3, Annelies Schrott-Fischer4
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Tampere and University Hospital of Tampere, Tampere, 33014, Finland. ilmari.pyykko@uta.fi.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|June 5, 2016
Summary
Novel nanoparticles offer advanced inner ear treatments by delivering drugs and genetic materials. These targeted nanoparticles enhance cell entry and can be integrated with cochlear implants for sustained therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Nanoparticles present novel therapeutic opportunities for inner ear conditions.
- They possess inherent properties like targetability, stability, and in vivo/in vitro visualization.
- Functionalization with peptides can improve cellular uptake and nuclear targeting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of nanoparticles as drug and gene carriers for inner ear treatment.
- To investigate nanoparticle delivery routes and payload strategies for inner ear applications.
- To assess the feasibility of integrating nanoparticles with cochlear implants.
Main Methods:
- Development and characterization of eight distinct nanoparticle types.
- Attachment of novel peptides to enhance nanoparticle functionality.
- Evaluation of transtympanic delivery and migration pathways into the inner ear.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles can effectively carry diverse therapeutic payloads (drugs, proteins, nucleic acids).
- Transtympanic delivery allows for varied migration pathways into the inner ear.
- Peptide functionalization enhances cell entry, endosomal escape, and nuclear targeting.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticles are versatile carriers for inner ear drug and gene delivery.
- Tailored nanoparticle design can optimize delivery based on cargo and target.
- Integration with cochlear implants offers a promising strategy for sustained inner ear therapy.

