Abstract
The complex biology of platelets and their involvement in tissue repair and inflammation have inspired the development of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies for a broad array of medical needs. However, clinical advances are hampered by the fact that PRP products, doses and treatment protocols are far from being standardized. Freeze-drying PRP (FD-PRP) preserves platelet function, cytokine concentration and functionality, and has been proposed as a consistent method for product standardization and fabrication of an off-the-shelf product with improved stability and readiness for future uses. Here, we present the current state of experimental and clinical FD-PRP research in the different medical areas in which PRP has potential to meet prevailing medical needs. A systematic search, according to PRISMA (Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, showed that research is mostly focused on wound healing, i.e., developing combination products for ulcer management. Injectable hydrogels are investigated for lumbar fusion and knee conditions. In dentistry, combination products permit slow kinetics of growth factor release and functionalized membranes for guided bone regeneration.
Highlights
The complex biology of platelets and their involvement in inflammation and tissue repair have inspired the development of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies for a broad array of medical needs, expanding from wound healing and dental applications to musculoskeletal medicine, ophthalmology, dermal conditions, gynecology and urology, among others [1]
The absence of concerns about PRP safety has fueled its application in unmet medical conditions, i.e., conditions whose treatment are unsatisfactory with current available therapies, including but not limited to osteoarthritis and chronic wounds
This review presents the current state of experimental and clinical Freeze-drying PRP (FD-PRP) research in the different medical areas in which PRP has potential to meet current medical needs
Summary
The complex biology of platelets and their involvement in inflammation and tissue repair have inspired the development of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies for a broad array of medical needs, expanding from wound healing and dental applications to musculoskeletal medicine, ophthalmology, dermal conditions, gynecology and urology, among others [1]. Thousands of research articles have been published in the last decade on different aspects of PRP science, including investigations on the pleiotropic functions of platelet secretome in nonhemostatic events. Additional drawbacks come from an operational perspective, such as the requirement of qualified staff for blood manipulation and medical facilities complying with regulatory requirements to ensure sterility and safety. In this context, PRP lyophilization, i.e., freezing followed by water sublimation and subsequent removal of water vapor, has been proposed as a consistent method for product standardization and fabrication of an off-the-shelf product with improved stability, ready for future uses. This review presents the current state of experimental and clinical FD-PRP research in the different medical areas in which PRP has potential to meet current medical needs
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