DRUG DELIVERY
Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that act to support nerve cells or neurons. They can be thought of as “nerve food” as they can prevent nerve degeneration and even promote regrowth.
In the deaf cochlea auditory neurons undergo continual degeneration that ultimately leads to nerve cell death, which may reduce the effectiveness of the bionic ear.
To enhance and maintain the surviving neurons in bionic ear recipients, we are developing several different methods to deliver neurotrophins to the cochlea.
These studies have important potential for clinical applications because we envisage a next generation of bionic ears that can actively deliver drugs which can either preserve residual hearing or prevent further degeneration of primary auditory neurons.
The techniques also provide a research platform to develop delivery techniques for other therapeutic drugs.
