A fully implantable intracochlear drug delivery device : development and characterization

[摘要] (cont.) The protein composition of the endogenous fluid of the inner ear was analyzed using a mass-spectrometry approach, and in vitro flow experiments were implemented to quantify biofouling in the device due to protein build-up and determine the impact of biofouling on microfluidic device performance. The effects of tissue build-up on the implanted system were studied through the use of histology preparation of the cochlea after long-term implantation. Further work included the fabrication and testing of microfluidic components, diaphragm-based capacitive elements and manual valves, for integration into the device. Through this research, both the impact of this device on the animal and the result of implantation on the device were more fully characterized.

[发布机构] Massachusetts Institute of Technology