PRP and Platelet Lysate: What's the Difference?

PRP and Platelet Lysate: What's the Difference?

Platelet lysates vs. PRP: When is which procedure used?

In recent years, regenerative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet lysates (PL) have become important options in modern medicine. Both procedures use the body's natural healing powers, in particular the growth factors and bioactive molecules contained in blood platelets (thrombocytes). But what exactly is the difference between PRP and platelet lysates - and when should which procedure be used?

What is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?

What is PRP (platelet-rich plasma)?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is obtained from a patient's blood sample by separating the platelets from the rest of the blood plasma by centrifugation. The result is a concentrate that is rich in platelets - and therefore also in growth factors and other proteins that promote healing.

PRP is used in a variety of medical and aesthetic applications, for example for

  • Orthopaedic conditions (e.g. tendon injuries, arthritis)
  • Skin rejuvenation and hair growth
  • Wound healing for chronic injuries

The idea behind PRP is simple: when activated, the platelets release growth factors that promote tissue repair, regulate inflammation and stimulate cell regeneration.

PRP - Platelet-rich plasma

What is Platelet Lysate (PL)?

Platelet Lysate goes one step further: this is a further development of PRP. Instead of just concentrating the platelets, they are broken up (lysed) in the laboratory. This process releases the bioactive substances directly so that they are immediately available. The resulting product is a cell-free preparation that contains only the desired growth factors and cytokines - without the cell components.

Advantages of Platelet Lysate:

  • Faster effect: As the growth factors are already released, they take effect immediately after application.
  • No risk of cell debris or inflammation: As there are no intact cells left, PL is particularly pure and well tolerated.
  • Application in cell culture and research: In regenerative medicine, PL is often used as a supplement to stem cell therapies, as it promotes cell proliferation.
Platelet Lysate (PL)

The differences at a glance

Property Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Platelet Lysate (PL)
Production of platelets Concentration of platelets Lysis of platelets
Cell components Contains intact platelets Cell-free
Release of growth factors After application (time-delayed) Already released (immediately available)
Main application Orthopaedics, aesthetics, wound healing Cell culture, stem cell therapy, research
Risk of inflammation Low, but present Minimal to non-existent

Production process of PL (platelet lysates)

1. Blood collection & PRP extraction:

  • Similar to PRP, blood is drawn from the patient or a donor and PRP is obtained by centrifugation.

2. Lysis of the platelets:

  • The platelets in the PRP are broken up by freezing and thawing (multiple cycles at -80°C and 37°C).
  • Alternatively, chemical or ultrasound lysis can be performed.
  • This process releases all growth factors immediately.

3. Filtration:

  • To remove cell debris, the lysate is sterile filtered (e.g. through a 0.22 µm filter).
  • This produces a cell-free, clear plasma that contains only the dissolved growth factors.

4. Storage & sterility assurance:

  • PL can be stored at -20°C to -80°C without the growth factors losing their effect.
  • Before clinical use, it is processed and, if necessary, combined with culture media or carrier materials.

PRP production process

PRP is produced in several steps:

  1. Blood collection:

    • Venous blood is taken from the patient, usually between 10 and 60 ml, depending on the desired amount of PRP.
    • Special PRP tubes with anticoagulants (e.g. sodium citrate or EDTA) are used to prevent blood clotting.

  2. Centrifugation:

    • The blood is centrifuged in a centrifuge at medium speed (approx. 1,500 - 3,500 rpm) for 5-10 minutes.
    • The centrifugal force separates the blood components according to their density:
      • Upper layer: Plasma with platelets (PRP)
      • Middle layer (buffy coat): Contains concentrated leukocytes and thrombocytes (desired for certain PRP variants)
      • Lower layer: Erythrocytes (red blood cells)

  3. PRP extraction:

    • Platelet-rich plasma is carefully extracted from the upper plasma layer.
    • Depending on the protocol, the PRP can be used with or without a buffy coat (leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor PRP).

When is which procedure used?

PRP: The all-rounder for regenerative therapies

PRP is preferred when a slower but sustained release of growth factors is desired. It is particularly effective in the treatment of injuries or degenerative diseases where the body's natural repair processes need to be supported.

Typical areas of application:

  • Sports injuries: Promoting the healing of muscles, tendons and ligaments.
  • Skin and hair therapy: minimizing wrinkles and promoting hair growth.
  • Osteoarthritis treatment: relieving pain and improving joint function.

Platelet Lysate: The precise solution for specialized applications

PL is ideal for situations where a rapid and targeted effect is required. It is often used in regenerative medicine and stem cell research because it is cell-free and minimizes the risk of immune reactions.

Typical areas of application:

  • Stem cell therapy: supporting cell proliferation in research and therapy.
  • Chronic inflammation: Reduction of inflammatory reactions through targeted growth factors.
  • High purity requirements: Ideal in areas where cell components could have a disruptive effect.

Conclusion: synergy instead of competition

PRP and Platelet Lysate are not opponents, but complement each other. While PRP is considered a standard therapy in many areas, Platelet Lysate offers a specialized option for more precise and purer applications. The choice of the appropriate procedure depends on the individual indication, the desired effects and the specific requirements.

For medical professionals who want to integrate innovative technologies into their practice, it is worth knowing both approaches. Because one thing is clear: regenerative medicine is developing rapidly - and with PRP and PL you are at the forefront of this revolution.

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