Autologous Platelet Gel (APG): A Preliminary Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties after Activation with Autologous Thrombin and Calcium Chloride

Abstract

The tensional and mechanical behavior of regenerative components, grafts, and blood clots represent an essential condition for the success of bone regeneration protocols. Autologous platelet growth factors represent a useful protocol to enhance the soft and hard tissue healing in several fields of medicine and craniofacial surgery. Different protocols for blood concentrates with and without activation have been proposed in literature. The aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro the mechanical properties of autologous platelet gel (APG) with autologous thrombin and calcium chloride. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 APG samples were evaluated; 10 samples were activated by autologous thrombin and calcium chloride (Group I) and 10 samples were non-activated (Group II). The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity were calculated through a static loading test (Lloyd 30 K, Lloyd Instruments Ltd., Segensworth, UK). Results: Group I (activated) reported a tensile strength of 373.5 ± 14.3 MPa, while Group II showed a significantly lower value of 360.5 ± 16.3 MPa (p < 0.05). The Young’s modulus was 145.3 ± 10.4 MPa for Group I and 140.3 ± 15.3 MPa for Group II (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The effectiveness of the present in vitro simulation showed that the APG activation protocol is able to increase the mechanical characteristics of the blood derivates and could be clinically useful to enhance regenerative procedures.