Silk Protein Bioresorbable, Drug‐Eluting Ear Tubes: Proof‐of‐Concept

Antimicrobial resorbable silk ear tubes are developed for treatment of pediatric otitis media with effusion. Silk tubes provide on‐site dual delivery of active ingredients found in prescribed ear drops, along with device fabrication, biocompatibility, and degradability. This proof‐of‐concept study reveals potential for silk material as an alternative to commercially available synthetic ear tubes.

Abstract

Otitis media with effusion (OEM) is a common pediatric pathology treated with topical fluoroquinolones (ear drops) and tympanoplasty tube, also referred to as ear tube, implantation for middle ear drainage. Commercially available ear tubes are fabricated using poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) synthetic materials that are associated with long‐complications due to premature extrusion. Resorbable materials have emerged as desirable alternatives to reduce extrusion‐related complications, but often limited by fast resorption rates. Therefore, resorbable tubes with long‐term functional integrity are required for future clinical translation. In this communication, a proof‐of‐concept study is reported on a bioresorbable and drug‐eluting silk ear tube device. Preliminary in vitro assessments reveal time‐dependent drug elution and antimicrobial properties, while maintaining long‐term functional integrity in vivo. This report provides evidence of a silk ear tube with potential for future clinical translation and OEM treatment.

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