Cold Atmospheric Plasma-Activated In Situ Hydrogel Induces Hair Regeneration Via Immune Microenvironment Remodeling

November 2025 in “ Advanced Science ”

Jung Suk Kim, Junho Byun, Jae-Hyun Choi, Dong-Un Jin, Qiaoyun Li, Jaiwoo Lee, Han-Gon Choi, Yu-Kyoung Oh

cold atmospheric plasma in situ hydrogel immune microenvironment hair follicles hair regeneration tyramine-grafted hyaluronic acid interleukin-2 reactive oxygen species regulatory T cells telogen phase anagen phase hypodermis CAP IL2 T cells

Studysummary In this study, researchers found that a cold atmospheric plasma-activated hydrogel containing interleukin-2 significantly enhanced hair regeneration in a depilated mouse model, promoting larger hair follicles and faster hair growth phase transition, suggesting it as a potential treatment for hair loss.

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The study explores a novel hair regeneration method using a cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)-activated in situ hydrogel (CAPgel) combined with interleukin-2 (IL2). This approach aims to remodel the immune microenvironment by promoting regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion and dermal papilla cell (DPC) proliferation, facilitating the transition from the telogen to anagen phase of hair growth. In vivo experiments on C57BL/6 male mice showed that CAPgel/IL2 significantly accelerated hair regeneration, achieving 100% hair coverage within 15 days, outperforming FDA-approved treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. The treatment enhanced hair follicle density, length, and diameter without inducing abnormal inflammation or systemic toxicity. The study highlights CAPgel/IL2's potential as a promising therapeutic strategy for hair loss, with future research needed to explore its application in human models.

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