Lyophilized Platelet-Rich Fibrin Exudate-Loaded Carboxymethyl Chitosan/GelMA Hydrogel for Efficient Bone Defect Repair

Platelet-richfibrin (PRF) is an autologous growth factor carrierthat promotes bone tissue regeneration, but its effectiveness is restrainedby poor storage capabilities, uncontrollable concentration of growthfactors, unstable shape, etc. Herein, we developed a photocrosslinkablecomposite hydrogel by incorporating lyophilized PRF exudate (LPRFe)into the carboxymethyl chitosan methacryloyl (CMCSMA)/gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA) hydrogel to effectively solve the dilemma of PRF. The hydrogelpossessed suitable physical properties and sustainable release abilityof growth factors in LPRFe. The LPRFe-loaded hydrogel could improvethe adhesion, proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiationof rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Furthermore, the animalexperiments demonstrated that the hydrogel possessed excellent biocompatibilityand biodegradability, and the introduction of LPRFe in the hydrogelcan effectively accelerate the bone healing process. Conclusively,the combination of LPRFe with CMCSMA/GelMA hydrogel may be a promisingtherapeutic approach for bone defects.