TLDR Scientists created tiny pH-sensing gels that can safely measure the pH levels inside hair follicles.
The study developed dendritic polyglycerol-based nanogels as pH sensors for hair follicles, using an ex vivo porcine ear model. These nanogels, sized between 100-250 nm, were synthesized via an inverse nanoprecipitation method and labeled with pH-sensitive dyes. The pH gradient within hair follicles ranged from 6.5 at the surface to 7.4 at a depth of 531 µm, with a sharp increase in the first 300 µm. The nanogels effectively measured pH changes and showed no toxicity in vitro on HaCat cells, indicating their potential for precise pH measurement and targeted drug delivery in hair follicles.
62 citations,
November 2016 in “Nanoscale” Medium to larger nanogels effectively deliver drugs through hair follicles when heated.
59 citations,
July 2015 in “Journal of innovative optical health sciences/Journal of innovation in optical health science” Nanoparticles around 600-700 nm can effectively enter and stay in hair follicles for days, which may help in delivering drugs to specific cells.
The skin is a complex barrier for drug penetration, but understanding its structure and interactions can improve drug delivery methods.
263 citations,
February 2011 in “Journal of Controlled Release” Medium-sized particles penetrate hair follicles better than smaller or larger ones, which could improve delivery of skin treatments.
22 citations,
October 2019 in “International Journal of Nanomedicine” The nanoparticles improved hair growth and enlarged hair bulbs.
39 citations,
April 2019 in “Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition” RADA16 is a promising material for tissue repair and regenerative medicine but needs improvement in strength and cost.
May 2024 in “International Journal of Nanomedicine” Biodegradable polymers can improve cannabinoid delivery but need more clinical trials.
15 citations,
November 2020 in “Pharmaceutics” Tofacitinib nanoparticles can safely and effectively treat alopecia areata by targeting hair follicles.
14 citations,
May 2022 in “Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences” New hair follicle-targeting treatments show promise for hair disorders but need more research on safety and effectiveness.
