Application of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) in Tissue Engineering

Overview

The goal of periodontal therapy is the protection and maintance of patient’s natural dentition over his or her lifetime for optimalaesthetic appearance and function. The aim of periodontal surgical procedures is the regeneration of these tissues and development of functional periodontal unit. Among the latest advances in dentistry is the application of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Platelets play an important role in wound healing. They provide initial hemostasis and release mediators to help modulate the inflammatory response and many of the cellular functions involved in wound healing. Contained in the alpha granules of platelets are multiple growth factors, which would include PDGF, TGF-alfa, TGF-beta, IGF-I along with many others. Growth factors are proteins that impart specific biochemical messages to specific target cells through specific membrane receptors. Growth factors possess paracrine related properties which are stimulatory for mitogenic activities, cellular differentiation, protein transcription, chemotaxis, angiogenesis, and collagenase activities, and they significantly induce tissue regeneration. The article describes the clinical benefits of PRP and preparation of PRP for clinical use.

Key words:
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) – growth factors – wound healing – tissue regeneration