Squarticles as a Nanocarrier for Targeting Minoxidil to Hair Follicles and Dermal Papilla Cells

In 2016, a study was conducted on the development of squarticles, nanoparticles formed from sebum-derived lipids, for use in targeted drug delivery to hair follicles. Two different nanosystems, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and nanoemulsions (NE), were prepared. The particle size of the NLC type was 177 nm, and that of the NE type was 194 nm. Approximately 60% of minoxidil, a drug used for the treatment of alopecia, was entrapped into squarticles. The squarticles reduced minoxidil penetration through the skin, indicating a minimized absorption into systemic circulation. Follicular uptake by squarticles was 7-fold higher for minoxidil compared to the free control. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in dermal papilla cells was significantly upregulated after the loading of minoxidil into the squarticles. In vitro papilla cell viability and in vivo skin irritancy tests in nude mice suggested a good tolerability of squarticles to skin. Therefore, squarticles were found to be a promising nanocarrier for topical delivery of minoxidil.