A forskolin-loaded nanodelivery system prevents noise-induced hearing loss

Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder worldwide and may result from age, drugs, or exposure to excessive noise. Crossing the blood–labyrinth barrier to achieve targeted drug delivery to the inner ear is key to the treatment of hearing loss. We designed a nanoparticle (NP)-based system for targeted drug delivery of forskolin (FSK) to the inner ear, driven by the prestin-targeting peptide LS19 (“ligand–receptor type interaction”). In vivo experiments in developing zebrafish embryos (4–96 h past fertilization) and mice confirmed that LS19-FSK specifically targeted and accumulated in zebrafish lateral line neuromasts and mouse outer hair cells (OHCs). LS19 peptide modification enabled LS19-FSK-NPs to rapidly target OHCs with high specificity. Furthermore, the multifunctional LS19-FSK-NPs were successfully delivered to the OHCs via the round window membrane route and exhibited slow-release properties. The sustained release and intracellular accumulation of FSK inhibited apoptosis of OHCs. Compared with LS19-NPs and FSK-NPs, LS19-FSK-NPs provided significantly stronger protection against noise-induced hearing damage, based on auditory brainstem responses at 4, 8, 16, and 32 kHz. Thus, our specially designed targeted nano-delivery system may serve as a basis for future clinical applications and treatment platforms and has the potential to significantly improve the treatment results of many inner ear diseases. • FSK is a potential new drug for the management of NIHL. • OHC-targeted, FSK-loaded novel drug delivery system (LS19-FSK-NP) was developed successfully. • Development of targeted drug delivery system for the inner ear is important for managing NIHL. • LS19-FSK-NP prevents NIHL and improves treatment outcomes via precise cochlear targeting and controlled release of FSK.