Biological Characterization and In Vitro Effects of Human Concentrated Growth Factor Preparation: An Innovative Approach to Tissue Regeneration

Summary background: Platelet concentrates are nowadays widely applied in different clinical fields to improve tissue and bone regeneration. “Concentrated Growth Factors” (CGF) is a new generation of platelet concentrate , which exhibits an interesting clinical and biotechnological application potential. of the study: The aim of this study is to assess the biological rationale for the use of CGF, by evaluating blood localization, the in vitro cumulative release of seven growth factors (PDGF-AB, VEGF, TNF-α, TGF-β1, BDNF, BMP- 2 and IGF-1), its in vitro effects on cell proliferation and its mechanical behavior. : CGFs were obtained from volunteer donors. Blood cell localization was evaluated after properly staining and immunohistochemistry. The amount of growth factors release was measured at 5 hours, 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8 days, using ELISA assay. Cells were cultured with and without CGF and their proliferation was evaluated 72 hours, performing the quantification of Ki-67, using flow cytometry (FACS). The mechanical response of CGF compression was also attempted. : The results showed that platelets and leukocytes were found in a very thin space called “buffy coat”, between the white and red part of CGF. Each growth factor evaluated, had a specific kinetic release with a variability among subjects. The in vitro cell proliferation was stimulated. CGF showed an “apparent plasticity” and mechanical response was influenced by fibrin network structure. : These findings support the CGF’s clinical use and will allow us to better understand and improve the outcomes.