Chitin Derivative‐Based Detachable Microneedles for Effective Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia

The study presents a novel treatment for androgenic alopecia (AGA) using detachable microneedles with TEMPO-oxidized chitin derivatives (CD MNs). In C57BL/6j AGA models, these microneedles achieved a hair regrowth density of 71.56% ± 14.20% by day 16, significantly outperforming the 32.23% ± 14.55% achieved with 5% minoxidil, the current standard treatment. Ex vivo tests showed comparable hair shaft elongation to minoxidil. The mechanism involves the suppression of lysosomal hydrolases and membrane proteins, enhancing autophagy in hair follicles. Importantly, the microneedle system showed no dermal or visceral toxicity, suggesting a safe and cost-effective alternative to existing therapies. This research is the first to demonstrate the anti-AGA potential of chitin derivatives, providing a strong foundation for future AGA treatments.