Do Preparation Techniques Transform the Metabolite Profile of Platelet-Rich Plasma?


Fidan B. B., Koc E., Ozotuk E. C., KAPLAN O., ÇELEBİER M., KORKUSUZ F.

BIOENGINEERING-BASEL, vol.12, no.7, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 12 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/bioengineering12070774
  • Journal Name: BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, INSPEC, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a widely used therapeutic product in musculoskeletal treatments due to its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the lack of standardization in PRP preparation protocols hampers clinical consistency. Methods: In this study, the metabolic profiles of 10 different PRP types were compared using untargeted metabolomics via Q-TOF LC-MS. PRP-G and PRP-S were prepared from six donors to assess inter-individual variability, while the remaining types were obtained from a single donor to isolate the impact of preparation method alone. Multivariate analyses, VIP scores, and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Results: PRP formulations exhibited distinct metabolic differences associated with inflammatory signaling, redox homeostasis, steroid metabolism, energy production, and platelet activation. Samples from both single- and multi-donor groups showed high intra-group similarity, indicating that preparation method is a major determinant of PRP's biochemical composition. Conclusion: Metabolomic profiling reveals that even minor differences in PRP preparation protocols can lead to significant biochemical changes that may affect therapeutic outcomes. This study highlights the need for standardized, indication-specific PRP products and underscores the value of metabolomic analysis in guiding optimal formulation selection in clinical practice.