Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Tissue Infection: Preparation and Clinical Evaluation

Abstract

The management and treatment of tissue infection, especially chronic infection, represents a significant challenge. Application of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising adjunct therapy for facilitating the healing of surgical wounds and tissue injuries. PRP is extracted from whole blood using a sequential centrifugation technique and when activated, can release a vast array of antimicrobial proteins, cytokines, and growth factors. These bioactive molecules are responsible for the ability of PRP to kill pathogens, resolve necrotic tissue, and promote wound healing. PRP is emerging as a useful supplement to prevent postoperative infection and treat chronic wound or bone infections. PRP displays a synergistic effect with antibiotics, which provides unique advantages when treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review will describe the method for PRP preparation and its antibacterial properties, as well as discuss both preclinical in vivo results and evidence from clinical practice of PRP use for the treatment of wound and bone infections. Impact Statement The clinical application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been widely studied for its effects on trauma or injury repair/regeneration, however the antibacterial property of PRP has been overlooked. Increasing evidence suggests PRP as a good antibacterial agent and that it could help prevent/treat tissue infection. This review emphasizes the importance of PRP's antibacterial property and summarizes the preclinical and clinical findings regarding the application of PRP in the prevention and treatment of wound and bone infection. The use of biocompatible PRP may be advantageous for tissue infection treatment due to its inherent antibacterial and healing promoting properties.