Cellulase-assisted platelet-rich plasma release from nanofibrillated cellulose hydrogel enhances wound healing

Elle Koivunotko, Raili Koivuniemi, Julia Monola, Riina Harjumäki, Chris S. Pridgeon, Mari Madetoja, Jere Linden, Lauri Paasonen, Saara Laitinen, Marjo Yliperttula

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a source of growth factors, which are implicated in active tissue regeneration. However, after transplantation the efficacy of these bioactive compounds is often diminished due to rapid degradation and untargeted localization. For this reason, we evaluated the potential of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) hydrogel as a PRP carrier. NFC hydrogel is an animal-free biomaterial that, when doped with cellulase, can assist the release of PRP in a wound site. In this study, we examined the effects of 0.5% (m/v) NFC hydrogel formulations, including PRP and cellulase, on the migration and proliferation of skin cells via an in vitro scratch wound model. The suitability of the 0.8% NFC hydrogel formulations for accelerated wound healing and PRP carrying was studied in vitro in diffusion studies and in vivo in a full-thickness excisional wound model in SKH1 mice. None of the NFC hydrogel formulations with or without PRP and cellulase disturbed the normal cell behavior in vitro, and cellulase was successfully used to degrade NFC. NFC hydrogel slowed fibroblast migration rate in vitro. In vivo, NFC hydrogel treatment showed significantly enhanced re-epithelialization compared to control and supported collagen deposition. In addition, angiogenesis was significantly induced via PRP release after degrading NFC hydrogel with cellulase without abnormal host reaction. This study demonstrates the potential of NFC hydrogel with cellulase as a carrier for PRP with controlled release in future skin tissue engineering applications.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Controlled Release
Volume368
Pages (from-to)397-412
Number of pages16
ISSN0168-3659
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024

Fields of Science

  • Assisted release
  • Carrier
  • Cellulase
  • Nanofibrillated cellulose hydrogel
  • Platelet-rich plasma
  • Wound healing
  • 317 Pharmacy

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