Evaluation of the Regenerative Potential of Platelet-Lysate and Platelet-Poor Plasma Derived from the Cord Blood Units in Corneal Wound Healing Applications: An In Vitro Comparative Study on Corneal Epithelial Cells

Background: Cord blood platelet lysate (CB-PL) and cord blood platelet poor plasma (CB-PPP) have been applied with success in wound healing applications. Pathologies such as Sjogrens’s Syndrome (SS) and chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) can lead to severe ophthalmology issues. The application of CB-PL and CB-PPP may be strongly considered for damaged cornea healing. This study aimed to the evaluation of the beneficial properties of CB-PL and CB-PPP in corneal wound healing applications. Methods: Initially, the CB-PL and CB-PPP were produced from donated cord blood units (CBUs), followed by biochemical analysis. Corneal epithelial cells (CECs) were isolated from wistar rats and then cultured with medium containing 20% v/v either of CB-PL or CB-PPP. To define the impact of CB-PL and CB-PPP, biochemical, morphological analysis, scratch-wound assays, and immunoassays in CECs were performed. Results: CB-PL and CB-PPP were characterized by good biochemical parameters, regarding their quality characteristics and biomolecule content. CECs’ morphological features did not change after their cultivation with CB-PL or CB-PPP. A scratch wound assay and molecular analysis of CECs expanded with CB-PL indicated higher migratory capacity compared to those cultured with CB-PPP. Conclusion: CB-PL and CB-PPP exhibited good properties with respect to cell migration and proliferation, and could be considered an alternative source for eye drop production, to possibly be used in cornea wound healing applications.