Effective high-throughput isolation of enriched platelets and circulating pro-angiogenic cells to accelerate skin-wound healing

Delayed wound healing and chronic skin lesions represent a major health problem. Over the past years, growth factors mediated by platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and cell-based therapies were developed as effective and affordable treatment able to improve wound healing capacity. We have advanced existing concepts to develop a highly efficient high-throughput protocol with proven application for the isolation of PRP and pro-angiogenic cells (Angio(PRP)). This protocol outlines the effectiveness of Angio(PRP) in promoting the critical healing process including wound closure, re-epithelialization, granulation tissue growth, and blood vessel regeneration. We coupled this effect with normalization of mechanical properties of rescued mouse wounds, which is sustained by a correct arrangement of elastin and collagen fibers. Proteomic analysis of treated wounds demonstrated a fingerprint of Angio(PRP) based on the up-regulation of detoxification pathway of glutathione metabolism, correlated to a decrease in inflammatory response. Overall, these results have enabled us to provide a framework for how Angio(PRP) supports wound healing, opening avenues for further clinical advances. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00018-022-04284-4.