TLDR Modified pineapple fiber can be used for effective drug delivery, especially for hair loss treatment.
This research explored the chemical modification of cellulose fiber from pineapple waste to develop a drug delivery system. Pineapple fiber was oxidized using sodium metaperiodate to create dialdehyde soluble cellulose, which could dissolve in water and form a Schiff base with minoxidil. The resulting minoxidil-grafted cellulose nanoparticles had hydrodynamic diameters of 110 to 300 nm, with an encapsulation efficiency of over 88% and a loading capacity of 85%. The system demonstrated prolonged drug release in an acetate buffer solution at pH 5.5 and 37°C. The study suggested potential future applications for treating androgenic alopecia.
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29 citations
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May 2025 in “Polymers” DLP bioprinting shows promise for medical uses, but needs more material options and strength improvements.
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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.
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September 2022 in “Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology” Minoxidil, a hair loss treatment, works better and has fewer side effects when put into tiny particles called transethosomes, especially those containing oleic acid.
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February 2022 in “European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics” A new treatment for hair loss uses tiny lipid carriers to deliver a mix of minoxidil and latanoprost directly to hair follicles, promoting hair growth and being well tolerated by the skin.
