Trichogenic Photostimulation Using Monolithic Flexible Vertical AlGaInP Light-Emitting Diodes

Abstract

Alopecia is considered an aesthetic, psychological, and social issue among modern people. Although laser-induced skin stimulation is utilized for depilation treatment, such treatment has significant drawbacks of high energy consumption, huge equipment size, and limited usage in daily life. Here, we present a wearable photostimulator for hair-growth applications using high-performance flexible red vertical light-emitting diodes (f-VLEDs). Flexible microscale LEDs were effectively fabricated by a simple monolithic fabrication process, resulting in high light output (∼30 mW mm-2), low forward voltage (∼2.8 V), and excellent flexibility for wearable biostimulation. Finally, trichogenic stimulation of a hairless mouse was achieved using high-performance red f-VLEDs with high thermal stability, device uniformity, and mechanical durability.