Activation of Platelet-Rich Plasma by Pulse Electric Fields: Voltage, Pulse Width, and Calcium Concentration Can Be Used to Control and Tune the Release of Growth Factors, Serotonin, and Hemoglobin

April 2021 in “ PLoS ONE ”

V.B. Neculaes, Andrew L. Frelinger, Anja J. Gerrits, Thomas Gremmel, Emma E Forde, Steven Klopman, Sabrina L. Carmichael, Alan D. Michelson

platelet-rich plasma pulse electric fields calcium concentration growth factors serotonin PDGF EGF PRP PEF

From the encyclopedia

Platelet-Rich Plasma →

growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

Epidermal Growth Factor →

Studysummary The authors concluded that controlling voltage, pulse width, and calcium concentration in pulse electric field-activated platelet-rich plasma enhances the release of growth factors and serotonin without causing clot formation, suggesting potential clinical advantages over bovine thrombin-activated PRP. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study explored the use of pulse electric fields (PEF) to activate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as an alternative to bovine thrombin, focusing on the effects of PEF voltage, pulse width, and calcium concentration on the release of growth factors and serotonin. It found that increasing calcium concentrations generally enhanced the release of PDGF and serotonin, while the effect on EGF varied with PEF parameters. The study also noted that PDGF, EGF, and serotonin could be released without clot formation or hemoglobin release, suggesting different localizations within platelets. The ability to control these releases through PEF could offer a more tailored approach to wound healing compared to traditional methods, potentially improving clinical outcomes.

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