Platelet-Rich Plasma Applications in Wound Healing and Skin Grafting

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a versatile autologous therapy that harnesses the concentrated growth factors, cytokines and adhesive proteins in platelets to accelerate tissue repair. By delivering key signalling molecules such as platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-β directly to the wound bed, PRP promotes angiogenesis, recruits reparative cells and modulates inflammation. Its haemostatic and adhesive properties also facilitate graft adherence in split-thickness skin grafting, reducing the need for mechanical fixation. Clinically, PRP has been applied to chronic ulcers, burn wounds, donor sites and surgical defects, demonstrating accelerated epithelialisation, enhanced granulation tissue formation and improved cosmetic outcome. Antimicrobial peptides present in platelet granules further contribute to infection control, broadening the global utility of PRP in both acute and chronic wounds.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have examined the dual antimicrobial and regenerative role of platelet-derived biomaterials. In vitro assays demonstrated potent inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and partial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, highlighting an intrinsic antimicrobial effect. In a third-degree burn model, topical application of these platelet-derived biomaterials reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis, while histopathological analysis revealed denser granulation tissue and earlier re-epithelialisation compared with controls. These findings underscore the potential of PRP formulations to combine infection control with accelerated wound healing in challenging burn environments.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Applications in Wound Healing and Skin Grafting publication trend

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

Technical terms

Platelet-Rich Plasma: Autologous plasma fraction containing platelets at concentrations several times above baseline, used to deliver growth factors and cytokines to injury sites.

Growth Factors: Bioactive proteins (e.g. PDGF, TGF-β) released from platelet granules that stimulate cell proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix formation.

Split-Thickness Skin Graft: A graft comprising the epidermis and part of the dermis, harvested from a donor site and applied to a prepared wound bed to restore skin integrity.

Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients during tissue regeneration.

Granulation Tissue: Newly formed connective tissue and microscopic blood vessels that appear on the surface of a healing wound, laying the foundation for epithelialisation.

References

1. Platelet‐rich plasma and plasma rich in growth factors in extra‐oral wound care. Periodontology 2000 (2024).
2. Wound healing properties and antimicrobial activity of platelet-derived biomaterials. Scientific Reports (2020).
3. The Effectiveness of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Application in the Wound Bed Prior to Resurfacing with Split Thickness Skin Graft vs. Conventional Mechanical Fixation Using Sutures and Staples. WORLD JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY (2019).
4. Application of Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma to Graft Donor Sites to Reduce Pain and Augment Healing: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Open Access Journal (2020).