3 Topic Commentaries

TM regeneration may improve hearing in chronic otitis media

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  Aaron K. Remenschneider, MD, MPH

  Otology/Neurotology (Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery)

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  Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Harvard Medical School

  It was really a catalyzing event that prompted us to look more systematically at our surgical techniques, grafting material and outcomes, which eventually made us focus on improved eardrum grafting materials to promote better healing and hearing outcomes after eardrum repair.

  Source
• 

  Nicole Black, PhD

  Biomedical Engineering/Biomaterials

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  Desktop Health

  Despite this clearly defined problem, the challenges were numerous: we envisioned a device that could enable easier implantation, guide remaining eardrum tissue to remodel and repair the perforation, match the circular and radial structure of the eardrum to allow for efficient conduction of sound, and biodegrade to reduce the risk of biofilm formation that can otherwise result on permanent devices.

  Source
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  Jennifer A. Lewis, ScD

  Bioengineering/Materials Science

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  Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Wyss Institute at Harvard University

  To create a truly regenerative graft that mimics the circular and radial collagen pattern of the tympanic membrane, which guides the migration of cells as they deposit new collagen fibers in the same pattern, while simultaneously matching the acoustic and mechanical properties of native tympanic membranes, was a grand challenge.

  Source