China backed researchers find a way to restore hair with a microneedle patch
Hair loss affects about two thirds of men, and around half of women, by the age of 40. There isn't a cure for hair loss, but there are treatments available that can assist in the prevention of hair fall, and the maintenance of hair growth.
Most hair loss sufferers dream of hair regrowth, and now, according to some new research, this could be made possible after some promising trials.
Researchers reporting in ACS' Nano Letters have used artificial intelligence (AI) to predict compounds that could neutralise baldness-causing reactive oxygen species in the scalp.
Using the best candidate, they constructed a proof-of-concept microneedle patch and effectively regenerated hair on mice.
The majority of people who suffer with hair loss have a condition called androgenic alopecia, or more commonly known as pattern baldness. This is a condition whereby hair follicles can be damaged by androgens, inflammation or an overabundance of reactive oxygen species, such as oxygen free radicals.
When the levels of oxygen free radicals are too high, they can overwhelm the body's antioxidant enzymes that typically keep them in check. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is one of these enzymes, and researchers have recently created SOD mimics called "nanozymes."
But so far, those this has not proved to be effective at removing oxygen free radicals. So, Lina Wang, Zhiling Zhu and colleagues wanted to see whether machine learning, a form of AI, could help them design a better nanozyme for treating hair loss.
Choosing transition-metal thiophosphate compounds as potential nanozyme candidates, the researchers proceeded with the study. They tested machine-learning models with 91 different transition-metal, phosphate and sulfate combinations, and the techniques predicted that MnPS3 would have the most powerful SOD-like ability.
Choosing transition-metal thiophosphate compounds as potential nanozyme candidates, the researchers proceeded with the study. They tested machine-learning models with 91 different transition-metal, phosphate and sulfate combinations, and the techniques predicted that MnPS3 would have the most powerful SOD-like ability.
Next, MnPS3 nanosheets were synthesized through chemical vapor transport of manganese, red phosphorus and sulfur powders. In initial tests with human skin fibroblast cells, the nanosheets significantly reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species without causing harm.
Based on these results, the team prepared MnPS3 microneedle patches and treated androgenic alopecia-affected mouse models with them. Within 13 days, the animals regenerated thicker hair strands that more densely covered their previously bald backsides than mice treated with testosterone or minoxidil.
Based on these results, the team prepared MnPS3 microneedle patches and treated androgenic alopecia-affected mouse models with them. Within 13 days, the animals regenerated thicker hair strands that more densely covered their previously bald backsides than mice treated with testosterone or minoxidil.
The researchers say that their study both produced a nanozyme treatment for regenerating hair, and indicated the potential for computer-based methods for use in the design of future nanozyme therapeutics.
Sourced from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221031104454.htm
Materials provided by American Chemical Society. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Sourced from: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221031104454.htm
Materials provided by American Chemical Society. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
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