In spite of writing this blog for 12 years, I am constantly surprised at the various new technologies that scientists are exploring to spur hair regrowth. The latest entails something called hyperbranched polymer dots (HPDs).
Hyperbranched Polymer Dots Regenerate Hair via Wnt/β-catenin Activation
A new May 2025 study from Taiwan (that will be published in the July 2025 edition of Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy) found that hyperbranched polymer dots enhance hair follicle regeneration. It is titled:
“Hyperbranched polymer dots enhance hair follicle regeneration via Wnt/β-catenin activation: A drug-free nanozyme-based approach to hair growth therapy.”
I have covered Wnt/β-catenin numerous times on this blog, since the regulation of this signaling pathway is responsible for hair follicle development, growth and regeneration.
According to the authors:
“Unlike prior studies that employed drug-loaded microneedle systems or metal-based nanozymes for hair regrowth, HPD operates as a drug-free, intrinsically bioactive nanozyme.”
The HPDs were applied topically to mice. The subsequent hair regrowth surpassed the efficacy of conventional minoxidil. The authors conclude that polymer dots represent a promising nanomedicine-based non-invasive approach in treating hair loss.
What are HPDs?
HPDs are a novel class of nanoparticles with hyperbranched polymer structures that incorporate both quantum dots and polymers. Unlike conventional polymeric nanoparticles, HPDs possess:
- Intrinsic fluorescence.
- Exceptional biocompatibility.
- Versatile surface chemistry (enabling efficient transdermal penetration and targeted follicular delivery).
- High water solubility.
A key positive attribute of HPDs is their potential to function as a nanozyme (an artificial nanomaterial that exhibits enzyme-like catalytic activity). Unlike traditional enzymes, nanozymes exhibit remarkable catalytic stability, resistance to environmental stressors, and enhanced bioavailability.
Nanozymes can be tailored to mimic various enzymatic activities that can: reduce oxidative stress; modulate immune responses; and creation of favorable microenvironment for tissue regeneration.
Note that some of the same authors published yet another study in May 2025 that concluded that HPDs can favorably impact wound repair and healing. They combined bioactive polymer dots with picosecond laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) in synergistically treating the wounds.