In Vivo Promoted Growth of Mice Hair Follicles by the Controlled Release of Growth Factors

This study investigated the effects of controlled release of growth factors on hair follicle growth in mice. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were incorporated into a biodegradable gelatin hydrogel, while vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was incorporated into a collagen hydrogel. After subcutaneous implantation into mice, the hydrogels significantly increased hair follicle size and hair shaft length compared to growth factors in solution form and empty hydrogels. The study concluded that controlled release of growth factors via hydrogels positively influenced hair growth cycles in mice.