Comparing the Delivery to the Hair Bulb of Two Fluorescent Molecules of Distinct Hydrophilicities by Different Nanoparticles and a Serum Formulation

April 2021 in “ International Journal of Pharmaceutics ”

Cristiana Costa, Bruno Fernandes, Diana Isabel Pereira Guimarães, E. Nogueira, Madalena Martins, Teresa Matamá, Artur Cavaco-Paulo

Nile Red Nile Blue nanoparticles liposomes ethosomes polymeric nanoparticles serum formulation hair bulb encapsulation efficiency stability tests lipid-based nanoparticles follicular regions NR NB serum hair follicle

Studysummary This study concluded that a liquid serum formulation delivered two fluorescent dyes to deeper follicular regions more effectively than nanoparticle systems.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study compared the delivery of two fluorescent molecules, Nile Red (NR) and Nile Blue (NB), to the hair bulb using nanoparticle systems (liposomes, ethosomes, and polymeric nanoparticles) and a serum formulation. The nanoparticles showed high encapsulation efficiency, particularly liposomes and ethosomes with around 100% for both dyes, while polymeric nanoparticles had lower efficiencies. Stability tests over 6 months favored lipid-based nanoparticles. Despite the potential of nanoparticles, the serum formulation outperformed them in delivering both molecules to deeper follicular regions. The study concluded that serum formulations might be a better choice for targeting the hair bulb due to their simplicity and adaptability, although nanoparticles could be useful for specific needs. The number of participants or samples was not mentioned in the document.

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