Nitric Oxide Donor and Minoxidil Co-Loaded Microneedles Improving Hair Loss Treatment

The study explores the use of microneedles (MNs) co-loaded with minoxidil and a nitric oxide (NO) donor to enhance the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Traditional minoxidil application faces challenges like low transdermal absorption and poor patient compliance. The MNs, developed through photopolymerization of methacrylate hyaluronic acid and methacrylate arginine, encapsulate minoxidil in nanogels with a particle size of 522.9 nm, targeting hair follicles effectively. In vitro and in vivo experiments on mice showed that a 3-minute application of these MNs promoted hair follicle growth and angiogenesis, leading to hair regeneration. This method offers a promising, painless approach for AGA treatment.