Controlled Release of Minoxidil Through Hydrogel Cross-Linking to Treat Androgenetic Alopecia

The study presents a novel bioengineered approach to enhance the delivery of minoxidil, the only FDA-approved topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia. By forming Schiff bases between minoxidil and aldehyde-modified hyaluronic acid, injectable hydrogels were created, allowing for a tunable release of minoxidil over 6 weeks in vitro. This method induced hair growth in a mouse model following intradermal injection. Additionally, the hydrogels were developed into microneedle patches, which provided controlled and uniform delivery of minoxidil into the skin. These microneedle patches, with heights of 600 or 800 μm, demonstrated sufficient mechanical strength to penetrate human skin and similarly induced anagen in a mouse model. This technology offers a promising new approach to improve minoxidil application and patient outcomes in treating androgenetic alopecia.