The use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has become an essential tool in multiple areas of regenerative medicine, from dermatology to traumatology and plastic surgery. Its therapeutic effect is largely due to the high concentration of growth factors (GFs) that stimulate tissue proliferation and repair. However, their immediate use after harvesting limits their clinical applicability.

A new study has addressed a key question: can PRP be preserved for long periods without losing its efficacy?

Study design: cryopreservation at -20 °C and -80 °C for up to 12 months

PRP and platelet lysate (PL) samples, stored for 6 and 12 months at -20 °C and -80 °C, were analyzed. Variables evaluated included:

- Platelet count and size.

- Fibrinogen levels

- Percentage of platelet activation

- Concentrations of growth factors (PDGF-AB, VEGF, IGF-1)

- Bioactivity in human dermal fibroblast cultures.

Relevant findings:

- Platelet structure and activation: Although no significant changes were detected in platelet counts, morphological alterations and a progressive increase in platelet activation were observed, especially in those stored at -20 °C. This included greater membrane roughness and possible aggregation.

- Growth factors: A slight reduction in the levels of certain platelet-derived growth factors was detected, but with no relevant impact on the levels of other key factors such as extraplatelet factors.

- Cell viability and bioactivity: Exposure of human dermal fibroblasts to fresh and cryopreserved PRP showed comparable levels of cell viability, indicating that therapeutic functionality is preserved despite prolonged storage.

Clinical and scientific implications:

These results support the feasibility of using frozen PRP without significant loss of functionality, which offers multiple advantages:

- Extension of the therapeutic window of PRP.

- Reduction of dependence on immediate logistic processes.

- Development of clinical PRP banks, with potential applications in personalized medicine.

Conclusion

Cryopreservation of PRP for up to 12 months, at temperatures of -20 °C and -80 °C, maintains its essential bioactivity, despite morphological modifications and slight losses in certain growth factors. This supports its use in contexts where immediate availability of PRP is not possible, without compromising its regenerative efficacy.

More info HERE