Development of an implant-linked alginate matrix for cell-mediated neuronal protection

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The aim of this project is to develop a cell-mediated neuroprotection based on an alginate matrix. The cochlear implant electrode which is functionalized with a cell-alginate coating is used as model system.The cochlear implant is the standard therapy for sensory hearing loss. It stimulates the neurons of the primary auditory pathway, the spiral ganglion cells, and thus elicits a sound sensation in the patient. Amongst others, the success of a cochlear implant depends on the number and the excitability of the available spiral ganglion cells.The growth factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, has a protective effect on spiral ganglion cells and could potentially help to increase the success of a cochlear implant. In the case of a growth factor useful for clinical purposes, a long-term application is desirable.Long-term administration of BDNF could be achieved by cell-mediated endogenous production. However, the BDNF-synthesizing cells must be protected from immune responses of the recipient organism. An uncontrolled proliferation and migration of the cells must be avoided. Alginate could serve as a matrix for the factor-producing cells, so that the requirements described above can be fulfilled.The milestones of this project are 1) development of a permanent alginate coating of the electrode carrier; 2) modification of human mesenchymal stem cells which might be obtained in an autologous fashion to produce BDNF and differentiate into chondrocytes; 3) evaluation of the neuroprotective properties of the functionalized electrode in vitro; 4) determination of the influence of the electrical stimulation onto the alginate and cells, and of the coating onto the electric parameters and 5) detection of the biological effect in animal models.