Injectable gelatin microspheres loaded with platelet rich plasma improve wound healing by regulating early inflammation
Abstract
We investigated the potential of gelatin microspheres (GMs) loaded with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to
enhance their wound healing effect. Platelets from the PRP were immobilized onto GMs to form
biomimetic bioreactor GM+PRP. The therapeutic effect of this agent was further investigated in vivo on a
wound-healing model in rats. Wounds were locally injected with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), GM,
PRP, and GM+PRP. Wound healing rate, vessel density, and inflammation level were measured
histologically, by RT-PCR, and by Western blotting at days 3, 7, 14, and 21. Platelets on GM caused a
continuous high release in both interleukin-10 and metalloproteinase-3 compared with PRP alone. Both
GM+PRP and PRP successfully accelerated the wound healing process, while GM alone did not improve
the wound healing process compared with the untreated control. Wounds treated with GM+PRP
resulted in shorter healing period and improved dermal structure. GM+PRP improved angiogenesis in the
wound by increasing expression of angiogenic factors. GM+PRP prolonged and enhanced the cytokine
release profile compared with PRP. By promoting the inflammatory and angiogenic responses, GM+PRP
has the potential to improve wound healing. Our findings demonstrate that GMs are an injectable carrier
that enhanced the therapeutic effects of PRP.