Platelet-Rich Plasma Lyophilization Enables Growth Factor Preservation and Functionality when Compared with Fresh Platelet-Rich Plasma

AIMS: To compare levels and activity of the growth factors between fresh and lyophilized platelet-rich plasma (PRP). METHODS: Analysis of platelet concentration using fibroblast and human umbilical vein endothelial cell cultures were compared between fresh and lyophilized PRP obtained from peripheral blood. RESULTS: After lyophilization, 54% of platelets were intact whereas the fresh showed no aggregation with agonists (levels under 20%). The concentration of growth factors (VEGF, EGF, TGF-β and PDGF) in both products were similar. Fresh and lyophilized PRPs induced proliferation in the fibroblasts at 24 h (0.303 vs 0.300, respectively). CONCLUSION: Lyophilized PRP appears to be an alternative to fresh PRP and the results evidenced the role of growth factors as a key element in the activity of this product.