A microneedle patch-based remedy for androgenic alopecia, a permanent hair loss condition commonly referred to as male- or female- pattern baldness, has been engineered by researchers from Zhejiang University, China.

The patch delivers cerium nanoparticles to hair follicles to combat the oxidative stress and insufficient circulation in the scalp responsible for hair loss. The dissolvable device was observed to foster hair regrowth faster in a mouse model than a leading androgenic alopecia treatment, minoxidil.

Cerium-containing nanoparticles mimic enzymes that remove excess reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress associated with liver injuries and wounds. To help these restorative agents penetrate the outermost layer of skin, the nanoparticles were coated with a biodegradable polyethylene glycol-lipid compound and incorporated into a dissolvable microneedle patch.

The patch tackles the oxidative stress and insufficient circulation conditions responsible for androgenic alopecia. Source: Jianqing Gao et al.

Male mice treated with the nanoparticle patch displayed faster signs of hair regrowth and fewer oxidative stress compounds in their skin relative to those with control patches.

According to the researchers, the cerium nanoparticle-packed patch described in ACS Nano offers a promising strategy to reverse balding for androgenetic alopecia patients.