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Development and Optimization of Freeze-Dried Eye Drops Derived From Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Technology
Author(s) -
Eduardo Anitua,
María de la Fuente,
Ignacio Alcalde,
Cristina Sánchez,
Jesús Merayo-Llovés,
Francisco Muruzábal
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
translational vision science and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.508
H-Index - 21
ISSN - 2164-2591
DOI - 10.1167/tvst.9.7.35
Subject(s) - trehalose , freeze drying , photorefractive keratectomy , materials science , ophthalmology , medicine , chemistry , chromatography , biochemistry , cornea
Purpose To investigate whether plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) eye drops maintain their biological potential after a freeze drying process. The addition of a lyoprotectant like trehalose was also evaluated. Methods Blood from three healthy donors was collected to obtain eye drops by PRGF technology. The resultant eye drops were divided in four groups: PRGF, freeze-dried PRGF (PRGF lyo), and PRGF lyophilized mixed with 2,5% trehalose (PRGF lyo+2.5T) or 5% trehalose (PRGF lyof+5T). Chemical and biological characteristics were evaluated. Photorefractive keratectomy was performed on C57BL/6 mice which were divided in three treatment groups: control, PRGF, and PRGF lyo. Corneal wound healing and haze formation were evaluated macroscopically. Eyes were collected at 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after surgery, and were processed for histologic studies. Results The pH values of PRGF samples increased significantly after the lyophilization process. Osmolarity levels increased significantly in PRGF samples mixed with trehalose in comparison with PRGF samples without protectants. The freeze drying process maintained growth factors levels as well as the biological properties of PRGF eye drops even without the use of lyoprotectants. PRGF lyo treatment significantly decreased the re-epithelialization time and haze formation in photorefractive keratectomy-treated corneas regarding PRGF and control groups. Furthermore, the PRGF lyo group significantly decreased the number of smooth muscle actin-positive cells in comparison with the control group at each time of the study and at days 2 and 3 in the PRGF group. Conclusions The freeze drying process preserves the protein and growth factor content as well as the biological properties of PRGF eye drops, even without the use of protectants. Freeze-dried PRGF eye drops accelerate corneal tissue regeneration after photorefractive keratectomy in comparison with the control group. Translational Relevance Our study shows the feasibility to preserve the biological capability of PRGF eye drops as freeze-dried formulation, avoiding the addition of protectants.

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