PRP Loaded Chitosan Scaffolds And Release Kinetics Of Growth Factors

OBJECTIVES: Platelet rich plasma (PRP), an autologous source of platelets, is rich in growth and differentiation factors. Using PRP with a carrier which can provide controlled release of growth factors may be useful for periodontal regeneration. The aim of this study is to compare different PRP preperation procedures with flow cytometric analysis, evaluation of PRP loaded chitosan scaffolds using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and determining growth factor release from chitosan scaffolds loaded with different methods. METHODS:In the first group, venous blood was centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 10 minutes, in the second group, blood was centrifuged at 2400 rpm for 10 minutes in the first and at 3600 rpm for 15 minutes in the second centrifuge, in third group blood sample was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 3 minutes and at 3000 rpm for 13 minutes in the first and second centrifuge, respectively. All samples were analyzed for activation markers of platelets (CD-41, CD-61 and CD-62) using flow cytometry. For release kinetics, PRP embedded into chitosan sponges with micropipets (Group A) and PRP added to chitosan gel before freeze-dry procedure (Group B). Growth factor (PDGF-BB, TGF-â, IGF-1) release of chitosan scaffolds was analyzed with ELISA. RESULTS: After centrifugation procedures platelet counts were increased to 3-5 fold. In flow cytometry analysis, no differences were noted between the different centrifuge groups. SEM images of the scaffolds revealed that addition of PRP to chitosan gel before the freeze-drying procedure did not deteriorate the chitosan scaffolds' porous, three-dimensional and interconnected structure. Also, platelets were well integrated into the scaffold structure. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that different centrifugation procedures have no effects on the activation levels of platelets in PRP and chitosan can be a suitable carrier for PRP applications for periodontal regeneration.