title: Surface biotechnology for refining cochlear implants.
abstract: The advent of the cochlear implant is phenomenal because it is the first surgical prosthesis that is capable of restoring one of the senses. The subsequent rapid evolution of cochlear implants through increasing complexity and functionality has been synchronized with the recent advancements in biotechnology. Surface biotechnology has refined cochlear implants by directly influencing the implant–tissue interface. Emerging surface biotechnology strategies are exemplified by nanofibrous polymeric materials, topographical surface modification, conducting polymer coatings, and neurotrophin-eluting implants. Although these novel developments have received individual attention in the recent literature, the time has come to investigate their collective applications to cochlear implants to restore lost hearing.
authors.forename: Fei
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Walshe
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Viani
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Al-Rubeai
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D001709:Biotechnology; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D004423:Ear / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials