# Exploring the Impact of Extraplatelet Content on Fibrin-Based Scaffold Performance for Regenerative Therapies

## TL;DR

This study shows that adding more extraplatelet components to platelet-rich plasma improves the performance of fibrin scaffolds used in tissue regeneration.

## Contribution

The study introduces a new plasma formulation (BPCP) with enhanced extraplatelet content that improves fibrin scaffold functionality for regenerative therapies.

## Key findings

- BPCP scaffolds released significantly more growth factors and proteins over 10 days compared to standard PRP scaffolds.
- BPCP scaffolds showed better structural integrity and cushioning behavior despite a delayed coagulation process.
- BPCP scaffolds exhibited thicker fibers and better shape stability over two weeks without significant swelling.

## Abstract

This study investigated the impact of increased extraplatelet content on the tissue regenerative capacity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-derived fibrin scaffolds. Comparative analyses were performed between a “balanced protein-concentrate plasma” (BPCP) and a standard PRP (sPRP), focusing on platelet and fibrinogen content, scaffold microstructure, and functional performance. Growth factor (GF) release kinetics from the scaffolds were quantified via ELISA over 10 days, while scaffold biomechanics were evaluated through rheological testing, indentation, energy dissipation, adhesion, and assessments of coagulation dynamics, biodegradation, swelling, and retraction. Microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with fiber diameter and porosity measurements. The results demonstrated that BPCP scaffolds released significantly higher amounts of GFs and total protein, especially beyond 24 h (* p < 0.05). Despite a delayed coagulation process (** p < 0.01), BPCP scaffolds exhibited superior structural integrity and cushioning behavior (* p < 0.05). SEM revealed thicker fibers in BPCP scaffolds (**** p < 0.0001), while adhesion and biodegradation remained unaffected. Notably, BPCP scaffolds showed reduced retraction after 24 h and maintained their shape stability over two weeks without significant swelling. These findings indicate that enhancing the extraplatelet content in PRP formulations can optimize fibrin scaffold performance. Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BPCP-derived scaffolds in regenerative medicine.