Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the microstructure and ultrastructure of platelet-rich plasma gel. MethodsPRP gel samples were obtained by two-step centrifugation. The platelets were counted before and after centrifugation. TGF-β₁, PDGF-AB were measured in the PRP gel and the whole blood using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PRP gel samples were observed with macroscopic observation, HE staining, transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ResultsThe platelet concentration of PRP was 458% of whole blood. TGF-β₁, PDGF-AB were found in high concentrations in PRP gel samples. Both SEM and TEM showed that PRP gel mainly contained fibrillar material with striated band similar to fibrin filaments, and platelet. ConclusionPRP gel may be an ideal injectable scaffold material for constructing tissue engineering nucleus pulposus.

Key words: platelet-rich plasma gel, growth factors, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, tissue engineering, nucleus pulposus