Microenvironment-Responsive Recombinant Collagen XVII-Based Composite Microneedles for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

    May 2025 in “ Acta Biomaterialia
    Xing Zheng, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Chen Zhao, Li Zhang, Qian Song, Yun Chu, Wenhao Yang, Yuhui Wang, Jiang Xia, Jianhao Wang
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    Minoxidil →

    An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

    Studysummary This study developed microneedles combining insulin-like growth factor-1 and type XVII collagen, showing more effective hair regeneration and reduced inflammation compared to minoxidil in a mouse model of androgenetic alopecia. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    The study presents a novel treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using microenvironment-responsive recombinant human collagen XVII (rhCOL17) microneedles (MNs) loaded with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This system, called I@M-MRrhCOL17 MNs, leverages the mechanical strength of polydopamine nanoparticles to penetrate the skin and deliver IGF-1 effectively. The microneedles facilitate sustained release of growth factors and enhance hair regeneration by activating VEGF/VEGFR and Src/p38 MAPK signaling pathways. In a mouse model, this approach showed superior results compared to minoxidil, promoting neovascularization, reducing inflammation, and stimulating hair growth, offering a promising alternative for AGA treatment.
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