New Review Maps Complete PRP Pipeline from Isolation to Clinical Application

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising regenerative therapy, but its clinical adoption remains limited due to inconsistent outcomes and fragmented data. This comprehensive review from researchers at Charité Berlin provides the first systematic analysis of the complete PRP pipeline.

The authors examined every aspect of PRP development, from donor selection and blood processing to activation strategies and clinical delivery methods. They found that variability in key factors—including platelet and leukocyte content, red blood cell contamination, and activation methods—creates significant inconsistencies in treatment effectiveness across different applications.

The review analyzed platelet structure, function, and critical growth factors like PDGF, VEGF, and TGF-β that drive tissue repair and regeneration. Manufacturing processes and isolation techniques were found to significantly impact final product quality, while different activation strategies (chemical, physical, enzymatic) produce varying therapeutic outcomes.

Beyond regenerative effects, the authors explored platelets' immune-modulatory roles in inflammation, wound healing, and immune response regulation. Patient-related variables also emerged as important factors affecting treatment success.

The findings reveal an urgent need for standardized protocols to improve consistency and efficacy of platelet-derived products. The authors provide a unified framework to guide clinicians and researchers in selecting appropriate procedures for specific clinical indications, addressing a major knowledge gap in regenerative medicine and offering practical guidance for optimizing PRP use in musculoskeletal repair and other therapeutic applications.