Optimization of platelet isolation and extraction of autogenous TGF-beta in cartilage tissue engineering

Artif Cells Blood Substit Immobil Biotechnol. 2009;37(6):265-72. doi: 10.3109/10731190903356446.

Abstract

Platelets are enriched with Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta). However, information is limited concerning TGF-beta's effects at the molecular level. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that TGF-beta activates cell proliferation and its positive influence on cartilage formation has been proven within the field of Tissue Engineering (TE). As Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) contains TGF-beta, it was the purpose of this study to optimize PRP-isolation for further TGF-beta extraction. Red blood cell count (RBC) was separated from whole blood by centrifugation. From the supernatant PRP and platelet poor plasma (PPP) layer, the latter supernatant was re-centrifuged to extract PRP. Various experimental series were run to investigate influences concerning anticoagulating alternatives, different amounts of buffer, various centrifugal forces, or substituting centrifugation for sedimentation. TGF-beta levels were determined using ELISA. The technique of platelet-/ TGF-beta-extraction described here proves to be more effective than other methods, is easily repeatable and not time-consuming, which predisposes it for TE requirements.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Platelets / cytology*
  • Cartilage* / cytology
  • Cell Separation / methods*
  • Centrifugation
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • Platelet Count
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / analysis
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta