Plasma Gel Matrix as a Promising Carrier of Epigallocatechin Gallate for Regenerative Medicine

TL;DR

This study shows that plasma gel can effectively carry and release EGCG, a powerful antioxidant from green tea, making it useful for regenerative medicine.

Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating plasma gel's potential as a controlled release carrier for EGCG in regenerative medicine.

Findings

EGCG precipitated and incorporated into the plasma gel matrix during thermal preparation.

Trypsin released EGCG from the matrix over time, simulating in vivo degradation.

Released EGCG retained its antioxidant capacity during incubation.

Abstract

Plasma gel (PG) is a protein matrix prepared from platelet-poor plasma and can be utilized as a drug carrier for controlled release. We previously demonstrated its applicability as a carrier of polyphosphate. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the main flavonoid found in green tea and functions as a strong antioxidant. To explore the applicability of PG as an EGCG carrier, we examined the release of EGCG from the PG matrix using an in vitro system. Pooled platelet-poor plasma (PPP) was prepared from four healthy adult male donors, mixed with EGCG, and heated at 75 °C for 10 or 20 min to prepare the PG matrix. The PG–EGCG matrix was incubated in PBS at 37 °C, and the EGCG released into PBS was determined using spectrophotometry. The antioxidant capacity was determined based on the principle of the iodine decolorization reaction. EGCG precipitated and incorporated into the PG matrix during thermal preparation. Trypsin, used to simulate the in vivo degradation of PG, released EGCG from the PG matrix over time. The released EGCG maintained its antioxidant capacity during incubation. These results indicate that thermally prepared PG matrices can be utilized as a promising EGCG carrier in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

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