Promoted Growth of Murine Hair Follicles by Controlled Release of Growth Factors from Biodegradable Hydrogel

The study from 2005 examined the impact of growth factors bFGF, HGF, and VEGF, delivered through biodegradable hydrogels, on hair follicle growth in 29-day-old male C3H mice. The hydrogels containing growth factors were implanted subcutaneously and led to significant increases in skin darkness, blood vessel formation, hair follicle tissue area, and hair shaft length compared to controls. Neither empty hydrogels nor direct injections of growth factors had similar effects. The research concluded that controlled release of growth factors from hydrogels effectively promoted the hair growth cycle in mice.