It is not often that I get to cover hair loss research from China. This week, several people mentioned an interesting new study from Zhejiang University.
Cerium Nanoparticle Microneedle Patch
The research team was led by Dr. Fangyuan Li and Dr. Jianqing Gao. The team delivered cerium nanoparticles (coated in a lipid compound) via a microneedle patch into the skin of balding mice.
Video can be viewed here.
Lo and behold, the bald mice grew back their hair faster than with Minoxidil. The most interesting findings of this experiment all pertained to an improved perifollicular microenvironment:
- Reduced oxidative stress around the hair follicles from the effect of the cerium chemical. The cerium nanoparticles help reduce oxidative stress by removing reactive oxygen compounds. In a similar manner to antioxidants.
- The formation of new blood vessels around the mice’s hair follicles, with subsequent improved blood circulation.
- Higher levels of p-S6, a compound only active in hair follicle stem cells (at the onset of new hair development).
The microneedle patch was made by combining the ceria nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid and pouring the mixture into a mold.