Development of Polymeric Nanoparticles Containing Dutasteride for Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

This study developed and characterized polymeric nanoparticles, both chitosan-coated and uncoated, incorporating dutasteride (DUTA) to target hair follicles for treating androgenic alopecia. The nanoparticles were evaluated for their ability to penetrate the stratum corneum, hair follicle, and viable epidermis. The analytical method used was validated for linearity, specificity, precision, and accuracy within a concentration range of 0.5 to 15 μg/mL. The uncoated nanoparticles had an average diameter of 202.7 nm and a zeta potential of -13.63 mV, while the chitosan-coated ones had a diameter of 232.36 nm and a zeta potential of +40.16 mV. Mechanical stimulation enhanced the targeting of both types of nanoparticles to hair follicles by two-fold compared to passive permeation. Both types of nanoparticles showed similar penetration abilities and demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency, stability, controlled release, and retention in skin layers, indicating their potential as effective topical carriers for dutasteride in treating androgenic alopecia.