Investigation of Nanoparticulate Formulation Intended for Caffeine Delivery to Hair Follicles

In 2013, a study was conducted to investigate nanoparticulate formulations for caffeine delivery to hair follicles, as caffeine in cosmetic products like shampoo can stimulate hair growth. The study developed two systems: a particulate formulation loading caffeine using biocompatible and biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and chitosan, and a model of hair shafts containing nanoparticles for visualization by photoacoustic microscopy. The results showed an interaction between chitosan and caffeine suitable for drug loading, with nanoparticles having a spherical shape and good properties in terms of size and distribution. Caffeine loading was increased by using chitosan up to 19% encapsulation efficiency (EE), and caffeine release from nanoparticles was slower than from the pure complex, allowing a longer time frame for continuous drug release. The nanoparticles could be successfully imaged inside the model hair follicle.