Curcumin-zinc framework encapsulated microneedle patch for promoting hair growth

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dermatology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Hair loss is a common aesthetic concern with significant psycho-social impact.
• Current treatments often target single pathways and suffer from limited drug penetration.
• Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for effective hair loss therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a curcumin-zinc framework (ZnMOF) encapsulated gamma-polyglutamic acid microneedle patch (ZnMOF-MN) for transdermal hair growth promotion.
• To investigate the anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-androgen effects of ZnMOF.
• To assess the therapeutic efficacy of ZnMOF-MN in promoting hair regrowth and wound healing in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of ZnMOF nanoparticles and ZnMOF-MN patches using FE-SEM, DLS, XRD.
• In vitro evaluation of ZnMOF release, cytotoxicity, and effects on dermal papilla cells (DPCs) against oxidative stress and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
• In vivo assessment of ZnMOF-MN efficacy in androgenic alopecia (AGA) and wound healing mouse models, analyzing hair follicles, angiogenesis (CD31+), and cell proliferation (Ki67+).

Main Results:

• ZnMOF nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and incorporated into microneedle patches for sustained release of Zn2+ and curcumin.
• ZnMOF demonstrated significant in vitro protective effects on DPCs, enhancing viability, inhibiting apoptosis, and reversing DHT-induced inhibition.
• ZnMOF-MN treatment accelerated wound healing, increased hair follicle density, promoted angiogenesis and cell proliferation, and significantly improved hair regrowth in AGA models.

Conclusions:

• The ZnMOF-MN patch serves as an effective, patient-friendly transdermal system for hair growth.
• This multifunctional approach addresses multiple mechanisms involved in hair loss and wound healing.
• ZnMOF-MN shows promising therapeutic potential for various hair loss conditions.