Dual-Continuous Microneedle Patch Integrating Transdermal Delivery of pH-Sensitive Licorzinc MOFs and Zn2+ Hydrogel Sensors for Treating Alopecia Areata

September 2024 in “ Chemical Engineering Journal ”

Hang Ruan, You-Xiong Zhong, Huining Ding, Zehui He, Jiaqi Li, Long Meng, Zhi Wang, Qing Xia, Teng Guo, Chunyun Zhu, Tao Yang, Nianping Feng, Yongtai Zhang

alopecia areata microneedle patch transdermal delivery pH-sensitive licorzinc metal-organic frameworks zinc ion hydrogel sensors glycyrrhizic acid zinc anti-inflammatory inflammatory microenvironment bioavailability zinc ion sensor AA MOFs GA

TLDR A new microneedle patch effectively and safely treats alopecia areata.

The study explores the development of a dual-continuous microneedle patch for treating alopecia areata (AA) by integrating transdermal delivery of pH-sensitive licorzinc metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and zinc ion hydrogel sensors. Licorzinc, a combination of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and zinc, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to treat AA by modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. The novel formulation using zinc-based MOFs enhances the solubility and bioavailability of licorzinc, while microneedle-assisted delivery improves transdermal absorption and therapeutic effects. The patch also includes a zinc ion sensor to monitor in vivo zinc levels, ensuring safe administration and preventing adverse effects. This approach offers a promising method for the effective and safe treatment of AA.

View this study on sciencedirect.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

13 / 13 results

research Serum Zinc Concentration in Patients With Alopecia Areata

October 2023 in “Acta dermato-venereologica (Print)”

People with severe hair loss have lower zinc levels in their blood.

research An Overview of JAK/STAT Pathways and JAK Inhibition in Alopecia Areata

40 citations , August 2022 in “Frontiers in immunology”

Blocking JAK/STAT pathways can help treat hair loss from alopecia areata.

research Microneedling Plus Topical Dutasteride Solution for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study

June 2022 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Microneedling with topical dutasteride improves hair growth in men with hair loss and is safe to use.

research Recent Advances in Polymer Microneedles for Drug Transdermal Delivery: Design Strategies and Applications

14 citations , March 2022 in “Macromolecular Rapid Communications”

Polymer microneedles are a promising, painless alternative to traditional needles for delivering drugs through the skin.

research Minoxidil-Loaded Hyaluronic Acid Dissolving Microneedles to Alleviate Hair Loss in an Alopecia Animal Model

12 citations , February 2022 in “Acta Biomaterialia”

Minoxidil-loaded hyaluronic acid microneedles can effectively increase hair growth and could be a promising treatment for hair loss.

research Alopecia Areata: A Multifactorial Autoimmune Condition

148 citations , December 2018 in “Journal of autoimmunity”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease causing patchy hair loss, often with other autoimmune disorders, but its exact causes are unknown.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Insights from January 2018

290 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition causing hair loss, influenced by genetics, stress, and diet, and may be prevented by a high soy oil diet.

research Microneedling for the Treatment of Hair Loss

58 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Microneedling can help stimulate hair growth, especially when used with other treatments, but it's not better than existing therapies.

research Size-Dependent Penetration of Nanoemulsions into Epidermis and Hair Follicles: Implications for Transdermal Delivery and Immunization

96 citations , April 2017 in “Oncotarget”

Smaller nanoemulsions can penetrate skin and hair follicles better, which may be useful for delivering drugs and vaccines through the skin.

research Biomarkers of Alopecia Areata Disease Activity and Response to Corticosteroid Treatment

65 citations , December 2015 in “Experimental dermatology”

Corticosteroid treatment reduces inflammation and alters hair keratins in alopecia areata.

research Alopecia Areata Is Driven by Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes and Is Reversed by JAK Inhibition

701 citations , August 2014 in “Nature medicine”

Alopecia areata can be reversed by JAK inhibitors, promoting hair regrowth.

research Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review

165 citations , January 2014 in “Dermatology Research and Practice”

Zinc is effective for treating various skin conditions, including warts and acne.

research Maintenance of Hair Follicle Immune Privilege Is Linked to Prevention of NK Cell Attack

253 citations , December 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Hair follicles prevent NK cell attacks to avoid hair loss.

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Found an interesting little article

in Research/Science 6 upvotes 1 year ago

A new painless microneedle patch shows promise in reversing hair loss. The discussion focuses on potential new treatments beyond common options like Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community I am a dermatologist with a clinical interest in alopecia. AMA

in Will treatment work for me? 3 years ago

In this conversation, 4990 discussed various treatments for hair loss, including oral minoxidil, PRP, transplan, Jak inhibitors, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Olumiant, Ketoconazole, RU58841, microneedling, baricitinib, and CCCA. They recommended scalp biopsies in unclear cases of DUPA, twice weekly to twice daily shampooing for topical minoxidil users, and two sessions spaced one month apart with follow up at month three to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatment.

community Sudden Triangular Thinning Patch

CW94 in General 157 upvotes 6 months ago

A 31-year-old has been using finasteride, dutasteride, and oral minoxidil for hair loss. They noticed a sudden triangular thinning patch on their scalp and are seeking advice, questioning if it could be medication-related.

community Boys I am just a gonner. What on earth is my scalp even going through. Looks like world war 3. Pyril 3 months. Topical melitonin/progesterone/fin, dut, fin, oral min, laser trash, anus stimulation. Nothing. Donor area is decimated 😂.

in Progress Pictures 83 upvotes 3 years ago

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal scalp condition which can cause hair loss. Treatments discussed include antifungal shampoos, cold showers, exfoliating the scalp, taking Vitamin D, and stimulating the prostate through the anus.

community Lost density 60% all over scalp in 120 days (4months)

in Update 10 upvotes 1 year ago

A user lost 60% hair density in 4 months, started finasteride and microneedling, and has greasy, flaky, yellowish scalp. They are awaiting biopsy results, and another user suggested trying ketoconazole shampoo.

community Unofficial Dermapen/Roller Guide

in Treatment 256 upvotes 7 years ago

Treatments for hair loss, including microneedling (dermarolling and dermapen) and the use of minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841. It provides detailed information about cost and usage of the various treatments, as well as potential side effects.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research Advances in Research of Hydrogel Microneedle-Based Delivery Systems for Disease Treatment

14 citations , December 2024 in “Pharmaceutics”

Hydrogel microneedles offer a promising, minimally invasive way to treat diseases like cancer and hair loss, but need improvements in strength and standardization.

$The Trilogy of Skin Regeneration via Metal-Organic Frameworks Nanomedicine: Precision Management of Refractory Wounds, Pathological Scarring, and Hair Follicle Reactivation$

research The Trilogy of Skin Regeneration via Metal-Organic Frameworks Nanomedicine: Precision Management of Refractory Wounds, Pathological Scarring, and Hair Follicle Reactivation

August 2025 in “International Journal of Nanomedicine”

Metal-organic frameworks can help heal wounds, reduce scars, and promote hair growth, but more research is needed.

research A Comprehensive Review of Microneedles: Types, Materials, Processes, Characterizations, and Applications

86 citations , August 2021 in “Polymers”

Microneedles are effective for drug delivery, vaccinations, fluid extraction, and treating hair loss, with advancements in manufacturing like 3D printing.

research Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Hair Regeneration: Mechanistic Insights and Translational Perspectives for Androgenetic Alopecia

February 2026 in “Biomedicines”

Nanotechnology offers promising new treatments for hair loss by improving targeted delivery and addressing key causes.

research Skin Structure, Physiology, And Pathology In Topical And Transdermal Drug Delivery

51 citations , October 2024 in “Pharmaceutics”

Improving drug delivery through the skin requires understanding skin and using enhancers.