The Construction Of PRP-containing Nanofibrous Scaffolds For Controlled Release And Their Application To Cartilage Regeneration

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely used for decades in the clinic, since an abundance ofgrowth factors can be released when it is activated. However, its clinical use is limited because thisrelease is temporal and PRP lacks mechanical strength. The aim of this study was to incorporate PRP-derived growth factors into PCL/gelatin nanofibers using the emulsion electrospinning method todetermine how growth factors are released from the scaffolds and how the presence of these factorsenhances the bioactivity of the scaffolds. Scaffolds with or without PRP were prepared andcharacterized. Release of proteins from scaffolds over time and rabbit BMSC chemotaxis, proliferation,and chondrogenic induction were quantified in vitro. The in vivo restoring effect of the scaffolds wasalso evaluated by transplanting the scaffolds into a cartilage defect in an animal model, and theoutcomes were determined by histological assessment, micro-CT scanning, and IL-1measurement.The results showed that the mechanical properties of the scaffolds were mildly compromised by theaddition of PRP, and that sustained release of growth factors from PRP-containing scaffolds occurredup to~30days in culture. Scaffold bioactivity was enhanced, as BMSCs demonstrated increasedproliferation and notable chemotaxis in the presence of PRP. The chondrogenesis of BMSCs was alsopromoted when the cells were cultured on the PRP scaffolds. Furthermore, the PRP scaffolds showedbetter restorative effects on cartilage defects, as well as anti-inflammatory effects in the joint cavity(the IL-1level was decreased). In conclusion, the results of the current study indicate the potential forusing a PRP-containing electrospun nanofibrous scaffold as a bioactive scaffold, which is beneficialfor optimizing the clinical application of PRP.