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.