The Trilogy of Skin Regeneration via Metal-Organic Frameworks Nanomedicine: Precision Management of Refractory Wounds, Pathological Scarring, and Hair Follicle Reactivation

August 2025 in “ International Journal of Nanomedicine ”

Lv Xiong, Chun Xiang, Yan Zheng, Xu-Ling Lv, Wan-Xuan Zhou

metal-organic frameworks MOFs zinc-based MOFs hair follicle reactivation transdermal delivery hair regeneration

Studysummary This review discusses metal-organic frameworks for treating diabetic infected wounds and related applications, reporting no new clinical results but highlighting challenges like biosafety and production for future research. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document reviews the potential of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in skin regeneration, particularly for diabetic wounds, pathological scars, and hair follicle reactivation. MOFs, especially zinc-based ones, offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits, making them suitable for advanced wound dressings. They enable precise drug delivery and enhance wound healing by modulating the wound environment. MOFs also show promise in hair regeneration by facilitating deep transdermal delivery and promoting hair growth. Despite their potential, challenges such as biocompatibility, stability, and clinical translation remain, necessitating further research and optimization.

View this study on dovepress.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

6 / 6 results

research Modulating Metal-Organic Frameworks by Surface Engineering of Stearic Acid Modification for Follicular Drug Delivery and Enhanced Hair Growth Promotion

2 citations , February 2025 in “Journal of Nanobiotechnology”

In this study, metal-organic frameworks modified with stearic acid were used to deliver cardamonin to hair follicles, significantly promoting hair growth and cell proliferation in testosterone-challenged mice, suggesting potential benefits for androgenic alopecia treatment.

research Dual-Continuous Microneedle Patch Integrating Transdermal Delivery of pH-Sensitive Licorzinc MOFs and Zn2+ Hydrogel Sensors for Treating Alopecia Areata

22 citations , September 2024 in “Chemical Engineering Journal”

A new microneedle patch effectively and safely treats alopecia areata.

Synergistic Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia with Follicular Co-Delivery of Minoxidil and Cedrol in Metal-Organic Frameworks Stabilized by Covalently Cross-Linked Cyclodextrins

research Synergistic Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia with Follicular Co-Delivery of Minoxidil and Cedrol in Metal-Organic Frameworks Stabilized by Covalently Cross-Linked Cyclodextrins

February 2024 in “International Journal of Pharmaceutics”

This study found that combining the natural product cedrol with minoxidil can improve the treatment of androgenetic alopecia by reducing the minoxidil dose needed, while a new nanocarrier system enhances drug delivery and effectiveness at hair follicles.

research Neuro-Inspired Biomimetic Microreactor for Sensory Recovery and Hair Follicle Neogenesis Under Skin Burns

November 2023 in “ACS Nano”

In a mouse model of deep skin burns, this study found that a neuro-inspired biomimetic microreactor, when delivered through a hydrogel and activated by near-infrared light, significantly promoted functional skin regeneration, sensory recovery, and hair follicle formation.

research Curcumin-Zinc Framework Encapsulated Microneedle Patch for Promoting Hair Growth

January 2023 in “Theranostics”

This study reported that a curcumin-zinc microneedle patch improved hair regrowth and wound healing in animal models, suggesting potential as a versatile treatment for hair loss.

research 3D Spheroid Human Dermal Papilla Cell as an Effective Model for the Screening of Hair Growth Promoting Compounds: Examples of Minoxidil and 3,4,5-Tri-O-Caffeoylquinic Acid (TCQA)

2 citations , June 2022 in “Cells”

The study found that growing dermal papilla cells in 3D spheroids enhances their activity with hair growth-promoting agents, such as minoxidil and TCQA, compared to traditional 2D cultures.