Platelet-Rich Plasma Applications in Regenerative Medicine

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentrate of platelets within a small volume of plasma obtained by centrifugation of peripheral blood. It harnesses the natural reservoir of growth factors, cytokines and bioactive molecules stored in platelet α-granules to stimulate tissue repair through enhanced cell proliferation, extracellular matrix remodelling and angiogenesis. PRP has been applied across a broad spectrum of regenerative medicine, including cutaneous wound healing, musculoskeletal injuries, tendon and ligament repair, osteoarthritis management and maxillofacial bone regeneration. In dermatology, PRP accelerates re-epithelialisation and reduces scar formation, while in orthopaedics it modulates inflammation, enhances chondrocyte viability and supports cartilage matrix synthesis. Combinatorial approaches with biomaterial scaffolds, hydrogels or mesenchymal stem cells further extend its therapeutic potential by providing sustained release of growth factors and a supportive microenvironment for cell engraftment. Standardisation of PRP preparation protocols—encompassing platelet concentration, activation method and leukocyte content—remains an active area of research to optimise reproducibility and clinical outcomes. Recent innovations in delivery systems, storage techniques and modification with nano- or polymeric carriers have addressed limitations of rapid growth factor degradation and variable bioactivity. With an excellent safety profile, minimal immunogenicity and potential for point-of-care administration, PRP continues to gain traction as a cost-effective adjunct in personalised regenerative therapies worldwide.

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Platelet-Rich Plasma Applications in Regenerative Medicine publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in platelet-rich plasma applications in regenerative medicine across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): A volume of plasma containing a supraphysiological concentration of platelets and their associated growth factors, obtained by centrifugation of whole blood.

Growth factors: Signalling proteins such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis: The physiological process of new blood vessel formation from pre-existing vasculature, critical for supplying nutrients and oxygen to regenerating tissues.

Hydrogel: A three-dimensional network of hydrophilic polymers capable of retaining large amounts of water and serving as a scaffold for cell growth and controlled release of biomolecules.

Coaxial bioprinting: A fabrication technique in which concentric nozzles are used to deposit multiple material layers simultaneously, enabling the creation of core–shell structures for controlled delivery of therapeutics.

References

1. Molybdesum selenide-based platelet-rich plasma containing carboxymethyl chitosan/polyvinyl pyrrolidone composite antioxidant hydrogels dressing promotes the wound healing. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2024).
2. Triple-layered core-shell fiber dressings with enduring platelet conservation and sustained growth factor release abilities for chronic wound healing. Regenerative Biomaterials (2024).
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma in Chronic Wound Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2022).