Platelet-Rich Plasma for Tissue Engineering: Preparation, Characterization, Classification, and Coding Protocols

Abstract

AbstractThe therapeutic potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely studied for accelerating the process of healing in different tissues. In addition to the major role of promoting coagulation, platelets are considered to play an important role in the wound healing process. Platelets release several growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor, transforming growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor that promote the healing process. The cellular composition of PRP varies substantially among the final products obtained from different production methods, and therefore the biological activity varies according to its composition. As a result, the individual cellular components (platelets, leukocytes, and erythrocytes) and growth factors present in the PRP have to be determined before in vitro, in vivo, or clinical evaluation. In addition to the composition of PRP, the protocols used for production has to be defined systematically to ensure repeatability. The heterogeneity existing in the PRP-based biological therapy can be eliminated in future studies by implementing a two-phase strategy that involves the establishment of a universal PRP classification/coding system and deciding “minimum reporting requirements” for all studies involving PRP. Although several classification systems have been proposed, none of them completely describes the important variables associated with PRP production and composition. Therefore, this chapter aims to provide a guideline/protocol for the preparation, characterization, classification, and coding of PRP for tissue engineering.Key wordsPlatelet-rich plasmaPlatelet-rich fibrinCompositionClassification systemsCharacterization