(599ch) Development of Needle-like Hollow Biospicules Encapsulating Minoxidil-Loaded Liposomes for Effective Androgenic Alopecia Treatment

Minoxidil, which is a pyridine derivative, is the most widely used drug for treatment of male and female hair loss named androgenic alopecia. Conventional topical formulations of minoxidil are comprised of propylene glycol-water-ethanol solutions and twice-daily applications on scalp may cause adverse reactions such as scalp dryness, burning, irritation, redness, and allergic contact dermatitis. Besides, the minoxidil permeation to the hair follicles is the main obstacle to improve the efficacy of drug delivery. In this research, minoxidil-loaded liposomes were encapsulated in needle-like hollow biospicules which were obtained from siliceous sponge for effective transdermal delivery. Prepared liposomes were characterized in terms of morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, and vesicle stability. Average size of minoxidil-loaded liposomes was 120 nm that was suitable for encapsulation into hollow biospicules which had 200-micrometer length and 20-micrometer width. Needle-like biospicules encapsulating minoxidil-loaded liposomes were directly implanted on newborn pig skin and minoxidil was released from the biospicules for three days approximately with controlled release manner. After three days, empty biospicules were naturally removed from the skin with stratum corneum. Therefore, new formulations using biocompatible needle-like hollow biospicules can significantly improve the minoxidil delivery system for hair loss treatment and also reduced dosage form will provide much convenience to alopecia patients without side effects.