Microenvironment-Responsive Recombinant Collagen XVII-Based Composite Microneedles for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

May 2025 in “ Acta Biomaterialia ”

Xing Zheng, Xiaoxiao Zhang, Chen Zhao, Li Zhang, Qian Song, Yun Chu, Wenhao Yang, Yuhui Wang, Jiang Xia, Jianhao Wang

androgenetic alopecia recombinant human collagen XVII microneedles insulin-like growth factor-1 polydopamine nanoparticles VEGF VEGFR Src p38 MAPK neovascularization minoxidil AGA rhCOL17 IGF-1 vascular endothelial growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor

TLDR The new microneedle treatment effectively promotes hair growth better than minoxidil.

The study presents a novel treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) using microenvironment-responsive recombinant human collagen XVII (rhCOL17) microneedles (MNs) loaded with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This system, called I@M-MRrhCOL17 MNs, leverages the mechanical strength of polydopamine nanoparticles to penetrate the skin and deliver IGF-1 effectively. The microneedles facilitate sustained release of growth factors and enhance hair regeneration by activating VEGF/VEGFR and Src/p38 MAPK signaling pathways. In a mouse model, this approach showed superior results compared to minoxidil, promoting neovascularization, reducing inflammation, and stimulating hair growth, offering a promising alternative for AGA treatment.

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