Posted by Cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOF) as delivery carriers have gained great attention in the biomedical field. However, limited by challenges of moisture-sensitive nature, the design and application of CD-MOF-based hair follicle delivery for androgenic alopecia (AGA) has rarely been explored. We developed the metal-organic frameworks as hair follicle-targeted delivery system (SA-MOF), stearic acid (SA) was used to modify metal-organic frameworks to form a protective hydrophobic layer on the surface and provide the additional hair growth-promoting effect. Cardamonin (CAR), a newly discovered biosafety natural product, was encapsulated in SA-MOF (CAR@SA-MOF) to promote the therapeutic efficacy on AGA. CD-MOF surface-engineered nanoparticles modified by SA avoided the rapid hydration and disintegration of CD-MOF in water, which improved the drug release and follicular deposition of drug.
Cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (CD-MOF) surface-engineered nanoparticles (CAR@SA-MOF) modified by stearic acid (SA) exhibited a promotion effect on hair growth and could be used as a new therapeutic strategy for androgenetic alopecia.
SA-modification avoids the rapid hydration and disintegration of CD-MOF in water, which provides a new strategy for the sustained long-acting release of drugs in the skin and hair follicles.
SA-modified cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks could increase hair follicle delivery and accumulation under the ratchet effect.
The therapeutic mechanisms of CAR@SA-MOF on androgenetic alopecia involve regulation of growth factors and activation of Wnt/β-catenin, AKT/ERK, and SHH/Gli signaling pathways.
SA-modification provided additional promoting effect on human dermal papilla cell proliferation, regulating effect on keratinocyte growth factor, and activating effect of key signaling pathways.
He, Z., Liu, Z., Zhang, Y. et al. Modulating metal-organic frameworks by surface engineering of stearic acid modification for follicular drug delivery and enhanced hair growth promotion. J Nanobiotechnol 23, 118 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-025-03234-z