Graphene Hybrid Inner Ear Organoid with Enhanced Maturity

Abstract

Innerear organoids (IEOs) are 3D structures grown in vitro, which can mimic the complex cellular structureand function ofthe inner ear. IEOs are potential solutions to problems related toinner ear development, disease modeling, and drug delivery. However,current approaches in generating IEOs using chemical factors havea few limitations, resulting in unpredictable outcomes. In this study,we propose the use of nanomaterial-based approaches, specificallyby using graphene oxide (GO). GO's unique properties promotecell-extracellular matrix interactions and cell-cellgap junctions, thereby enhancing hair cell formation, which is anessential part of IEO development. We also investigated the potentialapplications for drug testing. Our findings suggest that GO is a promisingcandidate for enhancing the functionality of IEOs and advancing ourunderstanding of the problems underlying inner ear development. Theuse of nanomaterial-based approaches may provide a more reliable andeffective method for building better IEOs in the future.