TLDR A microneedle patch can help hair regrow.
Scientists developed a microneedle patch that successfully regrew hair in mice, potentially offering a new treatment for hair loss in humans. Led by Zhen Gu and Liang Zhang, the team created microneedles from a keratin-containing hydrogel, making them biocompatible and biodegradable. These microneedles were loaded with UK 5099, a hair growth-promoting molecule, and exosomes from stem cells that activate hair follicles. In tests, the patch regrew hair in shaved mice within 6 days after just two treatments.
192 citations,
April 2019 in “ACS nano” A new microneedle patch made from hair proteins helps regrow hair faster and better than current treatments.
61 citations,
April 2023 in “Bioactive Materials” Microneedles are effective for painless drug delivery and promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration.
1 citations,
August 2023 in “Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews” Microneedles are promising for long-acting drug delivery and can improve patient compliance, but more data is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
4 citations,
December 2022 in “Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology” Exosomes show promise for improving wound healing, reducing aging signs, preventing hair loss, and lightening skin but require more research and better production methods.
October 2023 in “Biomaterials” Nanotechnology could improve hair regrowth but faces challenges like complexity and safety concerns.