Dankook University Hospital Professors Develop Vestibular Nerve Regeneration Technology

Drug Release by Laser After Nanoparticle Administration

Dankook University Hospital announced that the research team led by Professors Jung Jaeyoon and Lee Minyoung from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology has developed a vestibular nerve regeneration technology using nanoparticles that release drugs in response to near-infrared lasers.

The paper, titled "Development of NIR photocleavable nanoparticles with BDNF for vestibular neuron regeneration," was published in the international life science journal Journal of Nanobiotechnology (IF 10.6).

The vestibular organ is a sensory organ responsible for maintaining the body's balance, and damage to it can cause severe dizziness or balance disorders.

Because this area is located deep within the skull, treatment has been administered by injecting drugs through the eardrum, making it difficult to control drug concentration and necessitating repeated procedures.

When laser irradiation is applied to nanoparticles, the drug is released. (Excerpt from a paper)

The research team developed a technology in which brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a substance that promotes nerve regeneration, is encapsulated in laser-responsive nanoparticles, and BDNF is released by laser irradiation.

Simply put, the concept is to first introduce the drug composed of nanoparticles into the body, and then trigger the therapeutic effect by activating the "trigger" of a laser whenever needed.

With this new technology, it is possible to release the precise amount of drug at the required time, enabling continuous treatment with fewer injections.

Professor Jung Jaeyoon said, "Some patients with vestibular neuritis experience slow recovery and have difficulty with rehabilitation. This study is significant in that it demonstrates the possibility of application even for intractable cases. We will continue our efforts through follow-up research to develop this into an actual therapeutic agent."

Professor Lee Minyoung also explained, "It is clinically meaningful that a sustained effect can be achieved with only laser irradiation, without repeated drug injections. Although not commonly used, I believe the term 'semi-invasive,' which refers to having both invasive and non-invasive characteristics when approaching through the skin or tissue, is appropriate in this context."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.