A new type of microneedle patch restored hair in mouse models

The most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss. The condition affects 80percent of men and 50percent of women. Oxidative stress is thought to be a key player in this condition, which can be driven by a surplus of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on the scalp that causes damage to cells responsible for follicle growth. When these free radicals are too high, they can overwhelm the body’s antioxidant enzymes that typically keep them in check. Previously, researchers tried to create SOD enzyme mimics called ‘nanozymes’ to attack these radicals. But so far, those that have been reported aren’t very good at removing the radicals from the body. . . .