Nanozyme-Loaded Needles Spur Hair Regrowth
September 2021
in “
C&EN global enterprise
”
TLDR Scientists have created a patch filled with tiny enzymes that can treat hair loss and regrow hair as effectively as common hair-loss drugs, but with fewer applications.
Researchers at Zhejiang University have developed a microneedle patch loaded with cerium-based nanozymes to treat androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss. The nanozymes mimic the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase, enzymes that neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) linked to hair loss. The patch, made of hyaluronic acid, delivers these nanozymes to hair follicles under the skin. In animal models, the patch released its nanozyme cargo within 5 minutes of application to depilated skin. After 2 weeks of daily treatments, the patch was found to be as effective as the over-the-counter hair-loss drug minoxidil (Rogaine), but required only five applications.
