The Development of Inner Ear Membrane Analog for Experimental Otorhinolaryngology

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Otic Drug Delivery
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• The human round window membrane (hRWM) is a critical barrier for inner ear drug delivery.
• Developing representative in vitro models of the hRWM is essential for preclinical drug permeation studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a human round window membrane model (mRWM) for drug permeation and cytotoxicity studies.
• To optimize the mRWM fabrication protocol using suitable substrates and cellular materials.

Main Methods:

• Tested Viscoll collagen and G-Derm membranes as substrates for mRWM construction.
• Co-cultured HaCaT epithelial cells and primary human dermal fibroblasts on selected Viscoll membranes.
• Evaluated mRWM morphology using histochemical methods.
• Investigated dexamethasone permeation using iontophoresis and electroporation on the mRWM.
• Assessed mRWM viability with calcein and propidium iodide staining.
• Quantified dexamethasone concentration using chromatography.

Main Results:

• A mRWM model utilizing Viscoll membranes with co-cultured fibroblasts and HaCaT cells was successfully developed.
• The developed mRWM model demonstrated morphological and functional integrity.
• Electrophysical methods (iontophoresis and electroporation) significantly accelerated dexamethasone passage across the mRWM.
• The model proved suitable for preclinical evaluation of electrophysical devices for enhanced drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• The developed mRWM model serves as a viable alternative to native structures for drug permeation studies.
• The study demonstrates a method for preclinical assessment of electrophysical devices for targeted drug delivery to the inner ear.
• This model facilitates research into optimizing drug delivery strategies for inner ear conditions.