Synthesis of calcium alginate hydrogel loaded with platelet rich plasma for use in regenerative medicine and morphological investigation using field emission scanning electron microscope

Alginate is a natural polysaccharide that can cross-link with calcium ions and form a gel. Platelet-rich plasma, as a source of growth factors, has opened new horizons for use in regenerative medicine and regeneration of damaged tissues. The aim of this study was to synthesize calcium alginate hydrogel loaded with platelet-rich plasma and examine its morphology with a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM).  

5 Wistar rats (200-300 g) were used in this study. The animals were anesthetized and their blood was collected via cardiac puncture and centrifuged twice to obtain platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP and 6% calcium chloride solution were poured into 1% alginate solution (within a mechanical stirrer) separately using an insulin syringe needle, drop by drop at the same time. After gelation and freeze-drying, its morphology was examined by field emission scanning electron microscope.

In microscopic examination, the platelets of platelet-rich plasma trapped inside the calcium alginate hydrogel were visible as platelet aggregation.

The results of the present study showed the ability of calcium alginate hydrogel loaded with platelet-rich plasma as a suitable substrate for the storage and transfer of platelets rich in growth factors for the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.