Microneedle Patch Encourages Hair to Regrow

Scientists developed a microneedle patch that successfully regrew hair in mice, potentially offering a new treatment for hair loss in humans. Led by Zhen Gu and Liang Zhang, the team created microneedles from a keratin-containing hydrogel, making them biocompatible and biodegradable. These microneedles were loaded with UK 5099, a hair growth-promoting molecule, and exosomes from stem cells that activate hair follicles. In tests, the patch regrew hair in shaved mice within 6 days after just two treatments.