Platinum Nanozyme-Loaded Dissolving Microneedles Scavenge ROS and Promote Lineage Progression for Androgenetic...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dermatology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common condition with limited effective treatments.
• Oxidative stress plays a key role in AGA pathology.
• Platinum nanozymes (PtNZs) can modulate oxidative stress, but their skin permeability is poor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel drug delivery system for PtNZs to treat AGA.
• To investigate the efficacy and safety of PtNZ-loaded dissolving microneedles (Pt-MNs) for hair regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Dissolving microneedles loaded with PtNZs (Pt-MNs) were fabricated.
• Pt-MNs were applied to an AGA model to assess hair regeneration.
• In vivo studies evaluated the mechanism of action and compared efficacy with minoxidil.
• Safety assessments were conducted, including organ retention studies.

Main Results:

• Pt-MNs demonstrated sufficient mechanical strength for effective PtNZ delivery across the skin barrier.
• PtNZs reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) to oxygen, restoring the physiological environment.
• Increased oxygen levels promoted oxidative phosphorylation and hair follicle stem cell differentiation, leading to hair regeneration.
• Pt-MN treatment (once every three days) showed faster hair growth than daily minoxidil application.
• Pt-MNs created temporary skin channels with no observed Pt retention in major organs, indicating high safety.

Conclusions:

• Pt-MNs represent a promising and safe strategy for treating androgenetic alopecia.
• This approach effectively delivers PtNZs to combat oxidative stress and induce hair regeneration.
• The microneedle technology overcomes delivery challenges, offering a potential alternative to existing therapies.