TLDR Nanoparticles effectively deliver water-insoluble drugs to hair follicles, stimulating hair growth without irritating the skin.
The study from June 2011 investigated the effectiveness of using polymeric nanoparticle suspensions for targeted delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs to hair follicles. The researchers created nanoparticles from ethyl cellulose and the drug UK-157,147, using sodium glycocholate as a stabilizer. In vitro tests with rabbit ear tissue showed successful delivery of the drug to hair follicles with minimal distribution to the surrounding skin. In vivo tests on C3H mice using 100-nm nanoparticles resulted in stimulated hair growth and no skin irritation, indicating good tolerance. Further in vivo tests with a hamster ear model confirmed targeted delivery to sebaceous glands. The nanoparticles demonstrated rapid drug release in vitro and maintained stability in suspension for 3 months. The study concluded that nanoparticles are a promising method for targeted topical delivery of low-solubility drugs to hair follicles.
211 citations,
February 2009 in “European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics” Hair follicles help absorb and store topical compounds, aiding targeted drug delivery.
119 citations,
December 2008 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Nanoparticles can deliver vaccines through hair follicles, triggering immune responses and providing protection.
182 citations,
December 2007 in “BJCP. British journal of clinical pharmacology/British journal of clinical pharmacology” Hair follicles significantly increase the speed and amount of caffeine absorbed through the skin.
71 citations,
June 2007 in “Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters” 323 citations,
April 2006 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Only 40 nm nanoparticles can enter skin cells effectively for potential vaccine delivery.
297 citations,
December 2005 in “Journal of controlled release” P-SLN nanoparticles effectively deliver podophyllotoxin to the skin.
94 citations,
September 2014 in “Therapeutic Delivery” Nanoparticles can improve skin treatments by better targeting hair follicles, but more research is needed for advancement.
December 2013 in “Biomedical and biopharmaceutical research” Nanotechnology shows promise for better drug delivery and cancer treatment.
September 2023 in “Pharmaceuticals” Tiny particles improved delivery of hair loss treatments to hair follicles, with lipid-based particles performing best.
57 citations,
September 2017 in “Journal of controlled release” Nanocarrier-loaded gels improve drug delivery for cancer, skin conditions, and hair loss.
19 citations,
September 2020 in “Pharmaceutics” Sodium Valproate nanospanlastics could be a safe and effective treatment for Androgenic Alopecia, with fewer side effects than minoxidil.
