Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a biological treatment widely used in regenerative medicine for its restorative capacity. Although PRP is typically applied at the time of obtention, long-term storage and preservation could enhance its versatility and clinical applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term freezing on PRP. For that, PRP and Platelet Lysates (PL) were collected and preserved at −20 °C and −80 °C for 6 and 12 months. The parameters analyzed included platelet count and size, fibrinogen levels, platelet activation percentage, growth factor (GF) levels, and bioactivity on cultured dermal fibroblasts. No significant changes in platelet count were found; however, variations in platelet size were observed. Platelets stored at −20 °C and −80 °C showed structural changes and increased activation over time, including membrane roughness and possible aggregation. GF analysis revealed a reduction in platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF-AB and VEGF), while extraplatelet factors like IGF-1 remained stable. Fibroblast cultures showed comparable cell viability when exposed to fresh and cryopreserved PRP and PL samples. These findings suggest that cryopreserving PRP at −20 °C or −80 °C for up to 12 months is a feasible approach for retaining its therapeutic potential, supporting its use in biobanking, and expanding clinical accessibility.
This study investigated the impact of increased extraplatelet content on the tissue regenerative capacity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-derived fibrin scaffolds. Comparative analyses were performed between a “balanced protein-concentrate plasma” (BPCP) and a standard PRP (sPRP), focusing on platelet and fibrinogen content, scaffold microstructure, and functional performance. Growth factor (GF) release kinetics from the scaffolds were quantified via ELISA over 10 days, while scaffold biomechanics were evaluated through rheological testing, indentation, energy dissipation, adhesion, and assessments of coagulation dynamics, biodegradation, swelling, and retraction. Microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with fiber diameter and porosity measurements. The results demonstrated that BPCP scaffolds released significantly higher amounts of GFs and total protein, especially beyond 24 h (* p < 0.05). Despite a delayed coagulation process (** p < 0.01), BPCP scaffolds exhibited superior structural integrity and cushioning behavior (* p < 0.05). SEM revealed thicker fibers in BPCP scaffolds (**** p < 0.0001), while adhesion and biodegradation remained unaffected. Notably, BPCP scaffolds showed reduced retraction after 24 h and maintained their shape stability over two weeks without significant swelling. These findings indicate that enhancing the extraplatelet content in PRP formulations can optimize fibrin scaffold performance. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BPCP-derived scaffolds in regenerative medicine.