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Development and Characterization of a Biomimetic Totally Implantable Artificial Basilar Membrane System
Juyong Chung1, Youngdo Jung2, Shin Hur2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, South Korea.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|August 2, 2021
Summary
This study developed a totally implantable artificial basilar membrane (ABM) system for hearing loss. The prototype demonstrated potential for future cochlear implants (CIs) by eliciting auditory responses in guinea pigs.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Materials Science
Background:
- Conventional cochlear implants (CIs) face challenges including external components and high power demands for signal processing.
- Artificial basilar membranes (ABMs) utilizing piezoelectric materials offer a potential solution to these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To verify the concept of a fully implantable ABM system for treating sensorineural hearing loss.
- To develop and test a prototype integrating an ABM, electronic module (EM), and electrode.
Main Methods:
- Developed a prototype totally implantable ABM system.
- Investigated the system's feasibility by implanting electrodes in deafened guinea pigs.
- Studied optimal coupling methods to the human ossicle for sound transduction and measured electrical output.
Main Results:
- Achieved meaningful auditory brainstem responses in guinea pigs using the implanted ABM system.
- Successfully measured electrical signal output in response to sound stimuli.
- Demonstrated the feasibility of transducing sound waves into electrical signals via middle ear vibration.
Conclusions:
- The developed ABM system shows promise as a future totally implantable cochlear implant.
- Further improvements are necessary to enhance the system's power output to match conventional CIs.
