# Ear Tubes ## expand\_more #### Ear Tubes Infections of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of hearing, annually affect more than 700 million people worldwide. Children are especially prone to ear infections, with 40% of them developing recurrent or chronic infections that can lead to complications like impaired hearing, speech and language delays, perforations in their eardrums, and even life-threatening meningitis. As a treatment, doctors may surgically insert ear tubes knowns as “tympanostomy tubes” (TTs) into the eardrum to create an opening between the ear canal and middle ear. Ideally, these conduits ventilate the middle ear, provide a route for fluid to drain out, and allow antibiotic drops to reach the infection-causing bacteria. But in reality, these small hollow cylindrical devices made of plastic or metal function far from perfectly. Bacteria can lay down biofilms and local tissue can grow on their surfaces, which blocks TTs’ lumen and causes them to extrude. Also, antibiotic ear drops applied in the ear canal may not effectively reach the site of infection behind the eardrum. These complications pose risks and result in the need for frequent replacement surgeries, producing sizeable economic costs to the health care system. ![ear tube overview](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2025-01/ear-tube-1.png) Importantly, problems affecting TTs also plague other fluid-transporting “implantable medical conduits” (IMCs), such as catheters, shunts, and various small tubes with use in the brain, liver, eyes, and other organs where a high-pressure barrier prevents fluids from flowing through the conduit. In the quest for superior devices, the fundamental challenge faced by biomedical engineers is rooted in the conflict that reducing IMC devices’ size and invasiveness comes at the price of increasing their risk of becoming blocked and malfunctioning. ![ear tube CT scan](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-01/ear-tube-2.png?itok=T98v3W8W) Our approach enables IMCs with predictable and effective uni- and bi-directional fluid transport at the millimeter scale that resist various contaminations. With the example of TTs fabricated from a liquid-infused material (iTTs, short for “infused tympanostomy tubes”), they co-optimized difficult-to-reconcile functions, including fast drug delivery into and drainage of fluids out of the middle ear, resistance against water crossing from the outside into the middle ear, as well as the prevention of bacterial and cell adhesion to tubes, by introducing a novel curved lumen geometry of the tube. The findings are published in the recent cover article of Science Translational Medicine. **Contact:** Haritosh Patel ## Publications Download 324 citations download- [BibTeX](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=bibtex) - [EndNote X3 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=endnote8) - [EndNote 7 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=endnote7) - [Endnote tagged](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=tagged) - [Marc](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=marc) - [PubMedId](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=pubmed_id) - [RIS](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_affiliated_authors%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_publicationgroupaffi%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_year123456%5D&&&format=ris) ### 2025 Grinham J, Alvarenga J, Richter-Lunn K, Lazovskis P, Ejarque S, Bilbao A, Bechthold M, Aizenberg J. [Effective Indirect Evaporative Cooling Using Superhydrophobic Nano-Architectured Porous Ceramics](/publication/effective-indirect-evaporative-cooling-using-superhydrophobic-nano-architectured-porous). Applied Energy. 2025;397. Grinham J, Alvarenga J, Richter-Lunn K, Lazovskis P, Ejarque S, Bilbao A, Bechthold M, Aizenberg J. [Effective Indirect Evaporative Cooling Using Superhydrophobic Nano-Architectured Porous Ceramics](/publication/effective-indirect-evaporative-cooling-using-superhydrophobic-nano-architectured-porous). Applied Energy. 2025;397. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126297) Indirect evaporative coolers (IECs) offer a unique opportunity to meet the rapidly growing global cooling demand while reducing the environmental impact of traditional vapor compression systems. Despite their promise, widespread adoption of IECs has been... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.126297) Lim KRG, Owen CJ, Kaiser SK, Routh PK, Mendoza M, Park K-CK, Kim T-S, Garg S, Gardener JA, Russotto L, et al. [Nanoscale wetting controls reactive Pd ensembles in synthesis of dilute PdAu alloy catalysts](/publication/nanoscale-wetting-controls-reactive-pd-ensembles-synthesis-dilute-pdau-alloy-catalysts). Nature Communications. 2025;16:6293. Lim KRG, Owen CJ, Kaiser SK, Routh PK, Mendoza M, Park K-CK, Kim T-S, Garg S, Gardener JA, Russotto L, et al. [Nanoscale wetting controls reactive Pd ensembles in synthesis of dilute PdAu alloy catalysts](/publication/nanoscale-wetting-controls-reactive-pd-ensembles-synthesis-dilute-pdau-alloy-catalysts). Nature Communications. 2025;16:6293. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61540-4) The performance of bimetallic dilute alloy catalysts is largely determined by the size of minority metal ensembles on the nanoparticle surface. By analyzing the synthesis of catalysts comprising Pd8Au92 nanoparticles supported on silica using surface... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-61540-4) Lazovskis P, Alvarenga J, Teitelbaum E, Cabrera P, Merchant C, Rucewicz S, Rebbagondla JM, Norford L, Aizenberg J, Grinham J, et al. [Sorption vs. Separation – Prototype Comparison of Two Approaches to Façade-Integrated Dehumidification](/publication/sorption-vs-separation-prototype-comparison-two-approaches-facade-integrated-0). Building and Environment. 2025:113486+. Lazovskis P, Alvarenga J, Teitelbaum E, Cabrera P, Merchant C, Rucewicz S, Rebbagondla JM, Norford L, Aizenberg J, Grinham J, et al. [Sorption vs. Separation – Prototype Comparison of Two Approaches to Façade-Integrated Dehumidification](/publication/sorption-vs-separation-prototype-comparison-two-approaches-facade-integrated-0). Building and Environment. 2025:113486+. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113486) We present a dehumidification concept which reduces building cooling energy loads, achieving higher efficiency comfort conditions and healthier air for hot and humid climates. We demonstrate an alternative to vapor-compression air conditioning, by using... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2025.113486) Li Y, Cheng D, Son G, Shneidman AV, Lim KRG, Aizenberg J, Sautet P. [Modeling electron storage at the interface between Au and anatase-TiO2 under ambient conditions](/publication/modeling-electron-storage-interface-between-au-and-anatase-tio2-under-ambient). Chem Catalysis. 2025:101430. Li Y, Cheng D, Son G, Shneidman AV, Lim KRG, Aizenberg J, Sautet P. [Modeling electron storage at the interface between Au and anatase-TiO2 under ambient conditions](/publication/modeling-electron-storage-interface-between-au-and-anatase-tio2-under-ambient). Chem Catalysis. 2025:101430. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.checat.2025.101430) Au supported on TiO2 is a promising photocatalyst due to its ability to catalyze reactions under illumination and store electrons for sustained reactivity in the dark. Using density functional theory (DFT), we investigate the structural evolution and... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.checat.2025.101430) Lim KRG ", Azizli T, Kaiser SK, Aizenberg M, Montemore MM, Aizenberg J. [Effects of Pd ensemble size in dilute and single atom alloy PdAu catalysts for one-pot selective hydrogenation and reductive amination](/publication/effects-pd-ensemble-size-dilute-and-single-atom-alloy-pdau-catalysts-one-pot-selective). Catal. Sci. Technol. 2025. Lim KRG ", Azizli T, Kaiser SK, Aizenberg M, Montemore MM, Aizenberg J. [Effects of Pd ensemble size in dilute and single atom alloy PdAu catalysts for one-pot selective hydrogenation and reductive amination](/publication/effects-pd-ensemble-size-dilute-and-single-atom-alloy-pdau-catalysts-one-pot-selective). Catal. Sci. Technol. 2025. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D5CY00441A) In the one-pot reaction between nitroarenes, aldehydes, and hydrogen, the desired outcome is the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes to form aminoarenes that condense with aldehydes to yield pharmaceutically relevant imines and N-alkylamines. One... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D5CY00441A) Volkov VV, Aizenberg J, Perry CC. [Red blood cell Raman microscopy: modelling sub-cellular biochemistry](/publication/red-blood-cell-raman-microscopy-modelling-sub-cellular-biochemistry). 2025;27(22):11955–11973,. Volkov VV, Aizenberg J, Perry CC. [Red blood cell Raman microscopy: modelling sub-cellular biochemistry](/publication/red-blood-cell-raman-microscopy-modelling-sub-cellular-biochemistry). 2025;27(22):11955–11973,. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CP00172B) We develop a quantitative Raman microscopy approach to study erythrocyte biochemistry at the sub-cellular level. To model Raman microscopy images, we review theory of Raman tensors and derive expressions for Raman responses suitable to compute Raman micro... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1039/D5CP00172B) Karimi Z, Flores I, Kolle S, Kundu S, Walton E, Badder L, Levy N, Berry DB, Schar D, Levy J, et al. [Mitigating Algal Competition with Fouling-Prevention Coatings for Coral Restoration and Reef Engineering](/publication/mitigating-algal-competition-fouling-prevention-coatings-coral-restoration-and-reef). ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 2025;13:5808–5817. Karimi Z, Flores I, Kolle S, Kundu S, Walton E, Badder L, Levy N, Berry DB, Schar D, Levy J, et al. [Mitigating Algal Competition with Fouling-Prevention Coatings for Coral Restoration and Reef Engineering](/publication/mitigating-algal-competition-fouling-prevention-coatings-coral-restoration-and-reef). ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 2025;13:5808–5817. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c07508) Coral reefs are undergoing unprecedented degradation due to rising ocean temperatures, acidification, overfishing, and coastal pollution. Despite conservation efforts, including marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices, the magnitude of... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c07508) Xiong X, Zhou X, Zhang H, Aizenberg M, Yao Y, Hu Y, Aizenberg J, Cui J. [Controlled macroscopic shape evolution of self-growing polymeric materials](/publication/controlled-macroscopic-shape-evolution-self-growing-polymeric-materials). 2025;16. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57030-2 Xiong X, Zhou X, Zhang H, Aizenberg M, Yao Y, Hu Y, Aizenberg J, Cui J. [Controlled macroscopic shape evolution of self-growing polymeric materials](/publication/controlled-macroscopic-shape-evolution-self-growing-polymeric-materials). 2025;16. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57030-2 - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract Living organisms absorb external nutrients to grow, changing their macroscopic shapes to meet various challenges through mass transport and integration. While several strategies have been developed to create dynamic polymers that allow for mainchain... Lim KRG, Shirman T, Toops T, Alvarenga J, Aizenberg M, Aizenberg J. [Active and Stable PtPd Diesel Oxidation Catalysts under Industry-Defined Test Protocols](/publication/active-and-stable-ptpd-diesel-oxidation-catalysts-under-industry-defined-test-protocols). ChemSusChem. 2025;(e202500295+). Lim KRG, Shirman T, Toops T, Alvarenga J, Aizenberg M, Aizenberg J. [Active and Stable PtPd Diesel Oxidation Catalysts under Industry-Defined Test Protocols](/publication/active-and-stable-ptpd-diesel-oxidation-catalysts-under-industry-defined-test-protocols). ChemSusChem. 2025;(e202500295+). - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202500295) Abstract Nanoparticle-supported Pt and Pd catalysts are employed industrially to convert CO and hydrocarbon residue from incomplete diesel fuel combustion into more environmentally-benign products. However, these catalysts deactivate over time due to... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202500295) Lim KRG, Kaiser SK, Herring CJ, Kim T-S, Perich MP, Garg S, O’Connor C, Aizenberg M, van der Hoeven J, Reece C, et al. [Partial PdAu nanoparticle embedding into TiO2 support accentuates catalytic contributions from the Au/TiO2 interface](/publication/partial-pdau-nanoparticle-embedding-tio2-support-accentuates-catalytic-contributions). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2025;122(2). Lim KRG, Kaiser SK, Herring CJ, Kim T-S, Perich MP, Garg S, O’Connor C, Aizenberg M, van der Hoeven J, Reece C, et al. [Partial PdAu nanoparticle embedding into TiO2 support accentuates catalytic contributions from the Au/TiO2 interface](/publication/partial-pdau-nanoparticle-embedding-tio2-support-accentuates-catalytic-contributions). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2025;122(2). - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2422628122) Most supported catalysts are produced by forming or attaching nanoparticles onto surfaces of supports. However, controlling the interfacial contact between the nanoparticles and support?which has been reported to be the active site for many catalytic... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2422628122) Lazovskis P, Alvarenga J, Teitelbaum E, Merchant C, Rucewicz S, Cabrera P, Rebbagondla JM, Norford L, Aizenberg J, Grinham J, et al. [Sorption vs. Separation – Prototype Comparison of Two Approaches to Façade-Integrated Dehumidification](/publication/sorption-vs-separation-prototype-comparison-two-approaches-facade-integrated). Multiphysics and Multiscale Building Physics. 2025:130–139,. Lazovskis P, Alvarenga J, Teitelbaum E, Merchant C, Rucewicz S, Cabrera P, Rebbagondla JM, Norford L, Aizenberg J, Grinham J, et al. [Sorption vs. Separation – Prototype Comparison of Two Approaches to Façade-Integrated Dehumidification](/publication/sorption-vs-separation-prototype-comparison-two-approaches-facade-integrated). Multiphysics and Multiscale Building Physics. 2025:130–139,. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8313-7_20) We present an alternative concept to vapor-compression air conditioning, by using sorption-based and separation-based methods to manipulate air humidity and velocity, in order to achieve higher efficiency comfort conditions and healthier air for hot and... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8313-7_20) Patel H, Potilla VG, Shneidman AV, Movilli J, Alvarenga J, Dupre C, Aizenberg M, Murthy VN, Tropsha A, Aizenberg J. [Design Principles From Natural Olfaction for Electronic Noses](/publication/design-principles-natural-olfaction-electronic-noses). Advanced Science. 2025;(2412669+). Patel H, Potilla VG, Shneidman AV, Movilli J, Alvarenga J, Dupre C, Aizenberg M, Murthy VN, Tropsha A, Aizenberg J. [Design Principles From Natural Olfaction for Electronic Noses](/publication/design-principles-natural-olfaction-electronic-noses). Advanced Science. 2025;(2412669+). - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202412669) Abstract Natural olfactory systems possess remarkable sensitivity and precision beyond what is currently achievable by engineered gas sensors. Unlike their artificial counterparts, noses are capable of distinguishing scents associated with mixtures of... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202412669) Patel H, Huang YX, Dengiz D, Pravdivtseva M, Jansen O, Quandt E, Aizenberg J. [Fluid dynamics model of the cerebral ventricular system](/publication/fluid-dynamics-model-cerebral-ventricular-system-0). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2025;122:e2426067122. doi:10.1073/pnas.2426067122 Patel H, Huang YX, Dengiz D, Pravdivtseva M, Jansen O, Quandt E, Aizenberg J. [Fluid dynamics model of the cerebral ventricular system](/publication/fluid-dynamics-model-cerebral-ventricular-system-0). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 2025;122:e2426067122. doi:10.1073/pnas.2426067122 - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2426067122) Hydrocephalus, a condition marked by excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, affects millions globally and is predominantly treated using ventricular shunts. However, these devices often fail due to blockages caused by biological debris, leading to... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.2426067122) Routh PK, Liu X, Redekop E, Lim JS, Prodinger S, van der Hoeven JES, Aizenberg J, Nachtegaal M, Clark AH, Sautet P, et al. [Unraveling the Kinetics of Hydride Formation and Decomposition at Pd–Au Bimetallic Interfaces: A Combined Spectroscopic and Computational Study](/publication/unraveling-kinetics-hydride-formation-and-decomposition-pd-au-bimetallic-interfaces-0). Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2025;147:11378–11389. doi:10.1021/jacs.5c00842 Routh PK, Liu X, Redekop E, Lim JS, Prodinger S, van der Hoeven JES, Aizenberg J, Nachtegaal M, Clark AH, Sautet P, et al. [Unraveling the Kinetics of Hydride Formation and Decomposition at Pd–Au Bimetallic Interfaces: A Combined Spectroscopic and Computational Study](/publication/unraveling-kinetics-hydride-formation-and-decomposition-pd-au-bimetallic-interfaces-0). Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2025;147:11378–11389. doi:10.1021/jacs.5c00842 - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c00842) Supported Pd–Au bimetallic nanoparticles make up a promising class of catalysts used for hydrogenation and oxidation reactions. Recently, the role of dynamic restructuring of Pd regions at and near the nanoparticle surface in response to modulating gas... - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.5c00842) ### 2024 Mader AV, Williams RM, Aizenberg J, Noorduin WL. [Directing Sequential Self-Organization with Self-Assembled Nanocrystals](/publication/directing-sequential-self-organization-self-assembled-nanocrystals). Crystal Growth & Design. 2024. Mader AV, Williams RM, Aizenberg J, Noorduin WL. [Directing Sequential Self-Organization with Self-Assembled Nanocrystals](/publication/directing-sequential-self-organization-self-assembled-nanocrystals). Crystal Growth & Design. 2024. - add\_circle\_outline do\_not\_disturb\_on Abstract - [ descriptionPublisher's Version](https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.4c01450) Sequential self-organization can be used to design the hierarchy and complexity of materials beyond what is possible with single-step synthesis. 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