Effects of sustained release Platelet-rich plasma on bone healing in critical-size defect

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the osteogenetic effects of different types of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-loaded alginate scaffolds on radius defects in rabbits. A critical size defect (15mm in length) was created in the mid-upper part of the bilateral radius of 46 New Zealand White rabbits. The rabbits were supplied with PRP alginate beads (14 rabbits), PRP alginate capsules (14 rabbits), PRP gel (14 rabbits), or the defect was left untreated (4 rabbits). At 8 and 12 weeks after implantation, radiographic and histological observations were performed to investigate the bone healing of the defect. The results showed that each material's ability to produce new bone formation was arranged in the following order: PRP alginate beads>PRP alginate capsules>PRP gel, with significant differences between each material (P<0.01). PRP alginate beads could be a promising material capable of enhancing bone regeneration.