Delivery of neurotrophin-3 to the cochlea using alginate beads

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to design a novel cochlear neurotrophin (NT) delivery system for the rescue of auditory neurons after ototoxicity-induced deafening. BACKGROUND: NT-3 is a trophic growth factor that promotes the survival of the auditory nerve and may have a potential therapeutic role in slowing neuron loss in progressive deafness, especially as an adjunct to the current cochlear implant. Beads made from alginate are biodegradable, slow release substances that can be placed at the round window or inside the cochlea. This study investigated the loading properties, release kinetics, and implantation potential of alginate beads loaded with NT-3. METHODS: Alginate beads were p..