Platelet-rich plasma polyacrylamide (PAM-PRP)-based hydrogel for wound healing via low-intensity ultrasound

Abstract

The clinical potential applications of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in wound healing have been extensively studied. However, the rapid release of its active components limits its clinical application and therapeutic effectiveness. In this study, a polyacrylamide hydrogel incorporating activated-PRP (PAM-PRP) through a one-pot method was prepared to achieve sustained-release effect with low-intensity ultrasound (LIU). The resulting PAM-PRP hydrogel demonstrates its ability to enhance release of PRP using LIU, the tunable mechanical properties, and the porous network. The cytocompatibility experiments demonstrate the favorable biocompatibility in vitro of PAM-PRP hydrogel. Notably, in vivo experiments further show the PAM-PRP-1 (acrylamide solution/activated-PRP solution, v/v, 1:1) hydrogel, when combined with LIU, facilitates complete wound healing without scarring in the SD rat full-thickness skin defect model. Additionally, the efficacy of the PAM-PRP-1 hydrogel in promoting formation of granulation tissues, collagen deposition, reducing inflammation and angiogenesis is confirmed by histologic and immunohistochemistry analysis. This study presents a promising approach to enhance effectiveness of PRP clinical therapy.

Graphical Abstract