A new project aimed at improving the treatment and prevention of hearing loss has been awarded funding through the ZonMw Open Competition. University of Twente (UT) researcher David Fernandez Rivas will further develop a needle-free injection method—known as BuBble Gun technology—for delivering medication directly into the inner ear.
The research, titled Safe2(H)ear, will be carried out in collaboration with scientists from Radboudumc and Medizinische Hochschule Hannover in Germany. The initiative seeks to address one of the major challenges in hearing loss treatment: safely and precisely targeting the cochlea, a fragile and hard-to-reach part of the inner ear.
Millions of people around the world live with hearing loss, yet effective prevention and treatment options remain limited. Current drug delivery methods include surgical procedures, which carry inherent risks, and diffusion through the round window membrane, which offers little control over dosage and precision.
Exploring New Drug Delivery Approaches
The Safe2(H)ear project will explore new drug delivery approaches, including BuBble Gun technology—developed by Fernandez Rivas and his team since 2015. The method is based on microbubbles and allows for precise, needle-free administration of medicine. “Applying this technology to hearing loss treatment could revolutionise medical care,” the research team said.
To improve the understanding of the round window and nearby tissues, the team will study their mechanical and biological properties using human tissue and lab-based models. Insights gained will support the creation of computer simulations and animal-free test systems. The project will also engage patients to assess how this new technology is received in a clinical setting.
“This knowledge will lead to the development of innovative models to optimise drug delivery in clinical settings beyond the BuBbleGun’s original ambition to inject the skin, which is now valorised by the academic startup FlowBeams”
Safe2(H)ear is one of 29 projects selected to share in €24 million in funding through ZonMw’s Open Competition. The program supports interdisciplinary, curiosity-driven research and is designed to help translate innovative scientific ideas into real-world impact.
The project is a collaborative effort involving the University of Twente’s Mesa+ Institute and TechMed Centre. It represents another step forward in the university’s ongoing contribution to advancing medical technology.
By integrating fundamental science, cutting-edge microfluidics, and patient-centered design, the researchers hope to open new pathways for safer and more effective treatment of hearing loss.
Source: Univ. Twente
