Effects of incorporation of granule-lyophilised platelet-rich fibrin into polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel on wound healing

Dressings are commonly used to treat skin wounds. In this study, we aimed to develop a new scaffold composed of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel containing granule-lyophilised platelet-rich fibrin (G-L-PRF) as a dressing. G-L-PRF was prepared by freeze-drying and was then incorporated into PVA hydrogel by freezing-thawing. Notably, the mechanical strength and degradation rate of the scaffold were found to be related to G-L-PRF concentrations, reaching 6.451 × 10(−2) MPa and 17–22%, respectively, at a concentration of 1%. However, the strength decreased and the degradation was accelerated when the G-L-PRF concentration was over 1%. The elastic properties and biocompatibility of the scaffold were independent of G-L-PRF concentration, and both showed excellent elasticity and biocompatibility. The release of vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor-AB was no significant time dependent. Additionally, application of 1% G-L-PRF/PVA to acute full-thickness dorsal skin wounds accelerated wound closure at days 7 and 9. Healing also increased on day 11. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the scaffold enhanced granulation tissue, maturity, collagen deposition, and new vessel formation. These results demonstrated that the prepared G-L-PRF/PVA scaffolds accelerated wound healing in acute full-thickness skin wounds, suggesting potential applications as an ideal wound dressing.