In spite of writing this blog for 12 years, I am constantly surprised at the various new technologies that scientists are exploring to spur hair regrowth. The latest entails something called hyperbranched polymer dots (HPDs).
Hyperbranched Polymer Dots Regenerate Hair via Wnt/β-catenin Activation
A new May 2025 study from Taiwan (that will be published in the July 2025 edition of Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy) found that hyperbranched polymer dots enhance hair follicle regeneration. It is titled:
“Hyperbranched polymer dots enhance hair follicle regeneration via Wnt/β-catenin activation: A drug-free nanozyme-based approach to hair growth therapy.”
I have covered Wnt/β-catenin numerous times on this blog, since the regulation of this signaling pathway is responsible for hair follicle development, growth and regeneration.
According to the authors:
“Unlike prior studies that employed drug-loaded microneedle systems or metal-based nanozymes for hair regrowth, HPD operates as a drug-free, intrinsically bioactive nanozyme.”
The HPDs were applied topically to mice. The subsequent hair regrowth surpassed the efficacy of conventional minoxidil. The authors conclude that polymer dots represent a promising nanomedicine-based non-invasive approach in treating hair loss.
What are HPDs?
HPDs are a novel class of nanoparticles with hyperbranched polymer structures that incorporate both quantum dots and polymers. Unlike conventional polymeric nanoparticles, HPDs possess:
- Intrinsic fluorescence.
- Exceptional biocompatibility.
- Versatile surface chemistry (enabling efficient transdermal penetration and targeted follicular delivery).
- High water solubility.
A key positive attribute of HPDs is their potential to function as a nanozyme (an artificial nanomaterial that exhibits enzyme-like catalytic activity). Unlike traditional enzymes, nanozymes exhibit remarkable catalytic stability, resistance to environmental stressors, and enhanced bioavailability.
Nanozymes can be tailored to mimic various enzymatic activities that can: reduce oxidative stress; modulate immune responses; and creation of favorable microenvironment for tissue regeneration.
Note that some of the same authors published yet another study in May 2025 that concluded that HPDs can favorably impact wound repair and healing. They combined bioactive polymer dots with picosecond laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) in synergistically treating the wounds.
This is fascinating and promising. For those of us who want to continue avoiding drugs it could be highly beneficial!
How does one get this new treatment?
I’m always interested when “non drug” hair loss approaches are discussed in the media. Let’s suppose someone could demonstrate that common table salt grows hair. No regulatory approval from the FDA would be required in my view because salt is widely available and has a long history. But a novel “hyperbranched polymer dot”? It’s my understanding that once a claim is made that a substance can “grow hair” or “treat disease”, it becomes subject to FDA review. Yet, now we have Kintor and other companies making these claims without FDA approval–simply calling products “cosmetics” doesn’t release the companies from this legal requirement. Having retired from government employment, my hunch is that the FDA doesn’t interfere in this case because not many people complain. I’m concerned however that as soon as competitors file official complaints, sales on all of these unapproved products will stop. Complaints from individuals probably need to be numerous before any action is taken. Just my musings, I could be completely wrong. It just interests me how inconsistent the FDA has been over the years. I hope HPD is wildly effective and we’re all using it a year from now, including all the hair challenged FDA employees.
WNT beta catenin is the pathway that activates minoxidil, if it really activates it, it could work.
Am I stupid if I don’t understand anything about how this works?
Anyhow, China is cooking.
Lol I am also not clear at all about this process, but the study looked very detailed and professional. I read a third of it.
So you have given up Taiwan to China Ben!
Foreshadowing, admin.
Lol, apologies.
But isn’t this just a drug carrier?
Per the quote I have in the post, it is a “drug-free bioactive nanozyme”.
Nanozymes are nanomaterials with intrinsic enzyme-like characteristics.
It seems like this is a unique drug-free method to alter scalp cellular activity in order to boost Wnt signaling and reduce scalp inflammation and oxidative stress. Hopefully far more effective and consistent than something like microneedling.
They are not delivering any hair loss drugs with these polymer dots.
But….what is a drug?
Its like miceoneedling without using needles.
This is very exciting to read.
At the moment, the only two things I’ve been able to handle are microneedling and LLLT – this is after spending over a thousand on every medication, FDA approved or grey market, available. Any new development is welcome in my books!
Spanish researchers achieve unprecedented breakthrough against alopecia
They have applied a combined treatment of cell therapy and an energizing molecule, the first of its kind to be published worldwide. Clinical trials in humans are expected to begin soon.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com.es/ciencia/investigadores-espanoles-logran-inedito-avance-contra-alopecia_25258
https://www.abc.es/salud/dermatologos-espanoles-logran-revertir-calvicie-comun-ratones-20250610172817-nt.html?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc.es%2Fsalud%2Fdermatologos-espanoles-logran-revertir-calvicie-comun-ratones-20250610172817-nt.html
https://es.wired.com/articulos/el-fin-de-la-calvicie-dermatologos-espanoles-ofrecen-nueva-esperanza-con-celulas-madre
https://www.elmundo.es/ciencia-y-salud/salud/2025/06/12/684a8dede4d4d8730f8b457c.html
I covered it before. Please post your comment there:
https://www.hairlosscure2020.com/mesenchymal-stem-cells-and-hair-growth/
I missed than you covered it before, sorry, you are totally right! Thank you admin, what a time to be alive!
Hello Admin
sometimes I wonder if you will ever write … ok guys we have to say goodbye, our companion of a thousand misfortunes “baldness” has been defeated, I wish a wonderful life full of hair to everyone.