Bioactivity of dressings based on platelet-rich plasma and Platelet-rich fibrin for tissue regeneration in animal model.

Abstract

Background: Skin wounds are common injuries that affect quality of life and incur high costs. A considerable portion of healthcare resources in Western countries is allocated to wound treatment, mainly using mechanical, biological, or artificial dressings. Biological and artificial dressings, such as hydrogels, are preferred for their biocompatibility. Platelet concentrates, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), stand out for accelerating tissue repair and minimizing risks of allergies and rejection. This study developed PRF and PRP-based dressings to treat skin wounds in an animal model, evaluating their functionality and efficiency in accelerating the tissue repair process.

Aim: To develop wound dressings based on platelet concentrates and evaluating their efficiency in treating skin wounds in Wistar rats.

Methods: Wistar rats, both male and female, were subjected to the creation of a skin wound, distributed into groups (n = 64/group), and treated with Carbopol (negative control); PRP + Carbopol; PRF + Carbopol; or PRF + CaCl₂ + Carbopol, on days zero (D0), D3, D7, D14, and D21. PRP and PRF were obtained only from male rats. On D3, D7, D14, and D21, the wounds were analyzed for area, contraction rate, and histopathology of the tissue repair process.

Results: The PRF-based dressing was more effective in accelerating wound closure early in the tissue repair process (up to D7), while PRF + CaCl₂ seemed to delay the process, as wound closure was not complete by D21. Regarding macroscopic parameters, animals treated with PRF + CaCl₂ showed significantly more crusting (necrosis) early in the repair process (D3). In terms of histopathological parameters, the PRF group exhibited significant collagenization at the later stages of the repair process (D14 and D21). By D21, fibroblast proliferation and inflammatory infiltration were higher in the PRP group. Animals treated with PRF + CaCl₂ experienced a more pronounced inflammatory response up to D7, which diminished from D14 onwards.

Conclusion: The PRF-based dressing was effective in accelerating the closure of cutaneous wounds in Wistar rats early in the process and in aiding tissue repair at the later stages.