Novel Nanoencapsulation Technology and its Potential Role in Bile Acid-Based Targeted Gene Delivery to the Inner Ear

Thomas Foster; Michael Lewkowicz; Christina Quintas; Corina Mihaela Ionescu; Melissa Jones; Susbin Raj Wagle; Bozica Kovacevic; Elaine Y M Wong; Armin Mooranian; Hani Al-Salami

doi:10.1002/smll.202204986

Novel Nanoencapsulation Technology and its Potential Role in Bile Acid-Based Targeted Gene Delivery to the Inner Ear

Small. 2023 Feb;19(8):e2204986. doi: 10.1002/smll.202204986. Epub 2022 Dec 20.

Authors

Thomas Foster^{1

2}, Michael Lewkowicz^{1

2}, Christina Quintas¹, Corina Mihaela Ionescu^{1

2}, Melissa Jones^{1

2}, Susbin Raj Wagle^{1

2}, Bozica Kovacevic^{1

2}, Elaine Y M Wong², Armin Mooranian^{1

2

3}, Hani Al-Salami^{1

2

4}

Affiliations

¹ The Biotechnology and Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley 6102, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
² Hearing Therapeutics, Ear Science Institute Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands 6009, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
³ School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, 9016, New Zealand.
⁴ Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

PMID: 36538754
DOI: 10.1002/smll.202204986

Abstract

Hearing loss impacts a large proportion of the global population. Damage to the inner ear, in particular the sensitive hair cells, can impact individuals for the rest of their lives. There are very limited options for interventions after damage to these cells has occurred. Targeted gene delivery may provide an effective means to trigger appropriate differentiation of progenitor cells for effective replacement of these sensitive hair cells. There are several hurdles that need to be overcome to effectively deliver these genes. Nanoencapsulation technology has previously been used for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, proteins and nucleic acids, and may provide an effective means of delivering genes to trigger appropriate differentiation. This review investigates the background of hearing loss, current advancements and pitfalls of gene delivery, and how nanoencapsulation may be useful.

Keywords: bile acid; biomaterials; gene-delivery; hearing loss; nanotechnology.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Bile Acids and Salts
Ear, Inner* / metabolism
Gene Transfer Techniques
Genetic Therapy
Hearing Loss* / genetics
Hearing Loss* / metabolism
Hearing Loss* / therapy
Humans

Substances

Bile Acids and Salts