Yuyu Cao1  · Xiaotao Liu1  · Renjie Chai2  · Zuhong He1,3

1 Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China 

2 State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongda Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Jiangsu Province High-Tech Key Laboratory for Bio-Medical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China 

3 Department of Otorhinolaryngology‑Head and Neck Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China

Abstract

This review highlights advances in inner ear organoids (IEOs) as a novel platform for drug screening and disease modeling, particularly for hearing loss. IEOs, derived from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or tissue-specific progenitors, provide a physiologically relevant alternative to traditional animal models. Significant progress has been made in utilizing various cell sources, extracellular matrix materials such as Matrigel and hydrogels, and methods for controlling microenvironments through biochemical and biophysical signals. Applications of IEOs in drug screening, disease modeling, and personalized medicine enable exploration of hearing loss mechanisms and therapeutic testing. However, challenges remain, including the incomplete maturation of cochlear cells and difficulty replicating in vivo environments. Future research should focus on optimizing IEO generation, incorporating microfluidic technologies, and advancing high-throughput screening to enhance drug discovery and clinical translation.

Keywords

Inner ear organoids; Hydrogel; Drug screening; Hearing loss; Disease modeling

[SpringerLink]