Researchers are using AI to predict compounds that could neutralize hair loss

Researchers are using AI to predict compounds that could neutralize hair loss

Hair loss is undesirable for many men -; and women -; because hairstyle is often closely linked to self-confidence. And while some people embrace it, others wish they could regrow their lost strands. Now researchers reporting in ACS's Nano Letters have used artificial intelligence (AI) to predict compounds that could neutralize hair loss-causing reactive oxygen species in the scalp. Using the best candidate, they constructed a proof-of-concept microneedle patch and effectively regenerated hair in mice.

Most people with significant hair loss suffer from androgenic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. In this condition, hair follicles can be damaged by androgens, inflammation, or an oversupply of reactive oxygen species such as free oxygen radicals. When levels of free oxygen radicals are too high, they can overwhelm the body's antioxidant enzymes that normally keep them in check. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is one of these enzymes, and researchers have recently created SOD mimics called “nanozymes.” But so far, the ones that have been reported are not very good at removing oxygen free radicals. So Lina Wang, Zhiling Zhu and colleagues wanted to see if machine learning, a form of AI, could help them develop a better nanozyme to treat hair loss.

The researchers selected transition metal thiophosphate compounds as potential nanozyme candidates. They tested machine learning models with 91 different transition metal, phosphate and sulfate combinations, and the techniques predicted that MnPS3 would have the strongest SOD-like ability. Next, MnPS3 nanosheets were synthesized by chemical vapor transport of manganese, red phosphorus and sulfur powder. In initial tests with human skin fibroblast cells, the nanosheets significantly reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species without causing any harm.

Based on these results, the team prepared MnPS3 microneedle patches and used them to treat mouse models affected by androgenic alopecia. Within 13 days, the animals regenerated thicker strands of hair that covered their previously bald rear ends more densely than mice treated with testosterone or minoxidil. The researchers say their study both produced a Nanozyme treatment for regenerating hair and demonstrated the potential for computational methods to be used in the development of future Nanozyme therapeutics.

Source:

American Chemical Society

Reference:

Zhang, C., et al. (2022) Machine Learning Guided Discovery of Superoxide Dismutase Nanozymes for Androgenetic Alopecia. Nano letters. doi.org/10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c03119.

.