Comparative Analysis of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Gels as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products for Ophthalmic Applications

Abstract

Purpose : In the dynamic field of ophthalmology, advanced therapeutic strategies have emerged to optimize healing processes and foster tissue regeneration. This study conducts a comparative analysis of two gels of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs): Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Fibrin-Rich Plasma (PRF).

Methods : Blood samples were ethically obtained from three healthy individuals in partnership with the Biobank of the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory (LNBio/CNPEM) from Campinas, SP, Brazil. PRP was prepared through a double-low-speed centrifugation process, followed by activation with thrombin and calcium gluconate. PRF was prepared following Choukroun’s method. Initial assessments included pH determination, degradation assays performed at 22°C and 37°C, and analysis of mechanical properties in a texture analyzer.

Results : Over 5 days of observation, PRP maintained a constant pH of 7.0, while PRF showed an increase to pH 9.0. Storage at 22°C resulted in less liquefaction, while at 37°C, there was more liquefaction, indicating storage conditions significantly influence gel properties. Additionally, samples stored at 37°C displayed signs of contamination on the 5th day, hinting at accelerated degradation. Compression tests revealed high elasticity in both PRF and PRP gels, resisting up to 100% strain without breaking. Fresh gels were less stiff than stored ones, emphasizing the importance of proper storage due to stiffness's impact on clinical applications in ophthalmology.

Conclusions : This study provides early insights into PRP and PRF gel characteristics, emphasizing their potential impact on ocular regenerative therapies. Addressing knowledge gaps, our findings set the groundwork for future applications and advancements in ocular regeneration. Subsequent analyses, including growth factor quantification, will further support hypotheses about the therapeutic potential of these products.

This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.

 

Figure 1. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation process. A: Blood samples in the tube with acid citrate dextrose (ACD) after the first-step centrifugation. B: PRP obtained after the second-step centrifugation. C: PRP gels after activation. D: Final PRP gels.

 

Figure 2. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) preparation process. A: Blood samples in the tube after the centrifugation step. B: Extraction of PRF. C: Final PRF gels.