Bovine Autologous Platelet Concentrate: Production, Hematologic Classification and In Vitro Biologic Characterization

Introduction: Processing method and in vitro characterization of autologous platelet concentrates (APC), used for tissue healing, have not been validated for bovine whole blood (WB). The objective of the study was to compare hematologic findings of processing methods for APC production, and to compare cytokines and growth factors (GF) concentrations.

Materials and Methods: APC were prepared from WB of four cows (Group 1) with single-step centrifugation using 16 processing methods. The two protocols that yielded the highest platelet to lowest WBC concentrate were APC-1 (2200 rpm, 5 minute) and APC-2 (2500 rpm, 3 minute). They were subsequently reproduced and compared using WB from eight cows (Group 2). Hematologic findings were quantified, cytokines (IL-1β) and GF (PDGF, TGF-β, bFGF) measured, and enrichment factors compared between samples and processing methods.

Results: Hematologic characteristics and platelet enrichment varied among tested protocols. APC-2 had a significantly (p = 0.001) greater degree of platelet enrichment (mean 156%) than APC-1 (125%). Both protocols diluted WBC and had similar mean GF enrichment (124–125% PDGF, 95–100% TGF-β, 102–104% bFGF and 56–74% IL-1β) without significant differences between APC (p = 0.08 and p = 0.32–0.96).

Discussion/Conclusion: Platelet enrichment and cellular reproducibility of APC-2 was confirmed and could be used as a successful processing method. GF measurement showed that APC may have healing modulation properties, but further studies are needed to determine their influence in vivo and impact on clinical outcomes.

Acknowledgement: The commercial kits used in this study were donated by the manufacturer (Arthrex). All other costs were covered by institutional funding. None of the authors received any financial support.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).