An autologous protein gel for soft tissue augmentation: in vitro characterization and clinical evaluation

The aging process affects all organs of the body, but the skin is the most visible indicator with a great psychosocial impact. As a consequence, many skin anti-aging strategies have been developed to minimize, postpone, and even reverse the aging process. Growth factors have been widely studied in skin wound healing as these polypeptides play an essential role in the complex process of tissue regeneration. Recently, a novel 3D injectable gel based on the autologous technology platelet rich in growth factor has been described.

In this study, a comparison between hyaluronic acid (HA, the gold standard for skin rejuvenation), and this novel autologous formulation has been conducted.

Rheological and mechanical properties were determined. The in vitro biological capacity of both treatments on human dermal fibroblasts proliferation, migration, chemotaxis, and extracellular matrix synthesis was also assessed. Additionally, a clinical evaluation of the autologous platelet gel treatment was performed by macrophotographs, ultrasound analyses, and clinical and patient surveys.

The autologous gel outperformed the general biomechanical properties of HA and kept an optimal viscoelastic gel-like behavior for soft tissue augmentation. Both formulations stimulated cell chemotaxis, migration, and type I collagen synthesis. The autologous gel induced a statistically higher cell proliferation. After the autologous formulation treatment, a soft tissue augmentation effect was also noticed along with an overall skin quality improvement in terms of hydration, elasticity, wrinkle reduction, and general satisfaction scores.

This novel injectable formulation has desirable mechanical and bioactive properties for 3D tissue regeneration and might offer a safe and effective treatment for depressed areas of the skin.