Solid Microneedle Booster as an Enhanced Microneedling Platform for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

June 2026 in “ Drug Delivery and Translational Research ”

Jiwoo Shin, Jinhyeok Song, Paul Kim, Huisuk Yang, Hyungil Jung

solid microneedle booster microneedling androgenetic alopecia spring-driven perpendicular stamping minoxidil microchannel follicle enrichment porcine skin hair regrowth histological analysis SMB AGA MXD

TLDR The solid microneedle booster improves hair regrowth and follicle enrichment when used with minoxidil.

The study presents a solid microneedle booster (SMB) as an advanced microneedling platform for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The SMB integrates spring-driven perpendicular stamping with simultaneous liquid dosing, improving microchannel reproducibility and early transport. Tests on porcine skin revealed that SMB achieved greater microchannel surface coverage and deeper penetration than a roller. It also enhanced early-phase permeation, accelerating hair regrowth when combined with minoxidil (MXD) in vivo. Histological analysis showed increased follicle enrichment in the SMB + MXD group. SMB provides a one-step, directionality-controlled microneedling method that enhances early transport and promotes follicular maturation, with potential for broader dermatologic applications.

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