Autologous platelet-rich blood derivatives are used in a variety of medical fields in which the enhancement of wound healing by applying growth factors released from platelets is an especially promising application. Treatment of the whole surface of large-area wounds with a small volume of blood derivatives is best achieved by spraying. In this study, we present a compact and self-contained spraying device without external connections such as a power supply or compressor. The biocompatible propellant R134a is used to aspirate and atomize the blood derivatives. A 3D-printed, two-substance nozzle functions as the operating unit, throttle, mixing zone and atomization unit. The spray characteristics were evaluated via experimental flow volume, cone and droplet size measurements. Biological evaluation was performed by flow cytometry comparing platelet activation in the blood derivatives before and after spraying, and PDGF ELISA comparing growth factor release, respectively. Homogeneity and morphology of the sprayed blood cells were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the developed spraying device has excellent spray characteristics with low mechanical impact on the cellular components of the blood derivatives. Our spraying device is a promising tool for applying evenly distributed platelet-rich blood derivatives to treatment sites.
Keywords: Additive manufacturing; Growth factors; Platelet-rich plasma (PRP); Platelets; Spray applicator; Two-fluid nozzle.
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