A novel particle delivery system: supraparticles (a) that consist of ~1 billion mesoporous silica nanoparticles (b and c) and its application for inner ear drug delivery via placement of supraparticles onto the round window membrane using a canula (d).
Hearing loss affects 1.5 billion people worldwide, creating significant challenges in communication, leading to social isolation, depression and cognitive decline. Despite its prevalence, there is currently no effective drug treatment available. One key challenge in hearing loss drug treatment is the difficulty in delivering drugs into the inner ear cochlea, due to its small size, isolated location and complex structure, rendering traditional drug administrative approaches (such as oral and intravenous injection) ineffective.
Our innovative solution uses nanoengineered particles, known as supraparticles, to precisely and sustainedly deliver drugs to the inner ear. This novel delivery system ensures that adequate concentrations of drugs are maintained over extended periods. Our project aims to use the supraparticle technology to enhance the effectiveness of clinically available corticosteroids, currently the best clinical practice for treating acute hearing loss but with inconsistent outcomes. By improvising drug delivery we hope to make a significant, positive impact on the treatment of hearing loss, transforming clinical practice and patient outcomes.