Use of autologous platelet-rich plasma for skin graft preservation: an experimental comparative study

In this experimental study, we aimed to determine whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a suitable preservative for dermo-epidermal grafts. An additional objective was to investigate how long grafts can be stored without biological degradation.

We compared pig skin graft preservation using PRP versus saline solution and crystalloid Custodiol^®, which is used for hypothermic preservation of organs for transplantation. Grafts (10 × 10 mm) were placed on gauze impregnated with one of the tested solutions, and stored for 3, 7, 11, and 15 days at a constant temperature of 4°C. We evaluated a total of 240 pig skin samples: 120 by histopathology and 120 by fluorescence optical microscopy.

Overall, Custodiol^® solution appeared to be the best medium for preservation of dermo-epidermal grafts, with beneficial properties manifested on days 7 and 11. Although we expected PRP to be a better preservative than saline, this was not confirmed by our results, as we found no significant difference between these two media. In fact, by day 3, the histopathological results were better with standard saline solution than with PRP. On day 15, with each tested solution, some samples showed histological changes that are incompatible with graft viability.

Overall, Custodiol^® appears to be the best medium for dermo-epidermal graft preservation. Moreover, the present findings suggest a maximum graft storage time of 11 days in all of the tested solutions. We do not recommend using grafts stored for 15 days, due to isolated signs of graft biodegradation with all solutions.