Innovative Hydrogel Gel Developed to Combat Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss at Michigan State University

Michigan State University Researchers Develop Innovative Gel to Combat Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss

East Lansing, MI — For many cancer patients, the battle against the disease is often accompanied by an unwelcome side effect: hair loss. However, researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) are pioneering a promising solution—a shampoo-like gel designed to protect hair from falling out during chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia can lead to significant personal, social, and professional anxiety for those undergoing treatment. Currently, the only FDA-approved method to mitigate this side effect involves expensive cold caps that come with their own set of complications. In light of this, Bryan Smith, an associate professor in the College of Engineering and a member of MSU’s Institute for Qualitative Health Science and Engineering, has developed a hydrogel that could change the landscape of cancer care.

Smith’s journey began during his training at Stanford University, where he adopted a unique engineering approach that prioritizes understanding clinical needs before crafting solutions. “This unmet need of chemotherapy-induced alopecia appealed to me because it is adjacent to typical medical needs like better treatments and diagnostics,” Smith explained. “Once I began interviewing cancer physicians and former patients, I realized how crucial it is to address the personal side of cancer care.”

The gel, detailed in a recent paper published in Biomaterials Advances, is designed to be applied to the scalp before chemotherapy begins. It works by absorbing water and delivering drugs directly to the scalp, where they can help protect hair follicles from the damaging effects of chemotherapy drugs. The gel contains lidocaine and adrenaline, which restrict blood flow to the scalp, thereby reducing the amount of chemotherapy drugs that reach hair follicles and preventing hair loss.

One of the gel’s standout features is its temperature-responsive design. At body temperature, the gel maintains a thicker consistency, adhering to the scalp and hair. When exposed to cooler temperatures, it transforms into a thinner liquid, making it easy to wash off once treatment is complete.

Smith and his team are now seeking federal and venture funding to advance their research into clinical trials. “The research has the potential to help many people,” Smith stated. “All the individual components are well-established and safe, but we need substantial funding to move forward with human trials.”

As the team looks to the future, they remain hopeful that this innovative gel will not only enhance the quality of life for cancer patients but also redefine the conversation around chemotherapy and its side effects.

For more information, refer to the study: Manchanda, R., Aminoroaya, A., Volmert, B., Haffner, J. J., Vaughan, P., Grady, C., Qiu, T. A., & Smith, B. R. (2025). Hydrogel-based drug delivery system designed for chemotherapy-induced alopecia. Biomaterials Advances. DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2025.214452.