Multifunctional ionic liquids-mediated topical delivery of minoxidil and EGCG for treating androgenic alopecia through promoting angiogenesis and scavenging ROS

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss, causing serious physical and mental distress to patients. The key factors contributing to AGA include oxidative stress and insufficient vascularization in the microenvironment around hair follicles. Currently, the available treatment options are limited, and there is no comprehensive treatment strategy with minimal side effects and optimal efficacy. Herein, we developed a novel minoxidil and epigallocatechin gallate co-loaded ionic liquids drug delivery system (ME@CGIL), which was simple to prepare and could effectively regulate hair follicle microenvironment homeostasis. After topical application, the ionic liquids, which had a certain function of promoting hair regrowth, facilitated drugs delivery into the epidermis and dermis while prolonging their retention time, so as to reduce the frequency and dosage requirements. ME@CGIL promoted hair regrowth by activating hair follicle stem cells, scavenging excessive reactive oxygen species and promoting neovascularization in the AGA mouse model, showing superior efficacy than commercially available minoxidil products. Altogether, this study may provide a simple and ingenious treatment strategy for AGA, which has great potential for clinical application.