Mechanism and Application Status of PRP-loaded Hydrogels in the Treatment of KOA

Xihua ZHANG; Hongchi YI; Dun LIU; Wentao ZHAO; Baochuang QI; Zhongyu PENG; Jubao LI; Tao CHEN

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Xihua ZHANG, Hongchi YI, Dun LIU, Wentao ZHAO, Baochuang QI, Zhongyu PENG, Jubao LI, Tao CHEN. Mechanism and Application Status of PRP-loaded Hydrogels in the Treatment of KOA[J]. Journal of Kunming Medical University.

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Mechanism and Application Status of PRP-loaded Hydrogels in the Treatment of KOA

Xihua ZHANG^{1, 2},
Hongchi YI^{1, 2},
Dun LIU^{1, 2},
Wentao ZHAO^{1, 2},
Baochuang QI^{1, 2},
Zhongyu PENG^{1, 2},
Jubao LI^{2, 3
,
,},
Tao CHEN^{1, 2
,
,}

1.
Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Ward 3 of the Bone Injury Center，The First Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Kunming Yunnan 650021
2.
The First Clinical Medical College of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Kunming Yunnan 650021
3.
Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Ward 4 of the Bone Injury Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine，Kunming Yunnan 650021，China

Received Date: 2025-06-04
Available Online: 2025-08-12

Abstract

Abstract

Knee osteoarthritis （KOA） is a common chronic degenerative bone and joint disease characterized by degeneration and wear of knee cartilage. It is commonly found in middle-aged and elderly people and seriously impacts on their lower limb activity and quality of life. At present, the treatment of early and middle stage KOA mainly relies on the conservative methods such as oral medication, joint injection, topical patches and traditional Chinese medicine. Platelet rich plasma （PRP）, as an autologous platelet concentrate, is rich in various growth factors and has no risk of immune rejection. In recent years, it has been widely used in the repair of bone, joint, and soft tissue injuries. However, the short biological half-life of growth factors in PRP and the fluidity of injection sites can result in insufficient binding force, short action time, poor target therapy efficacy, and the need for repeated injections in the joint cavity, which will increase the risk of iatrogenic infections. Hydrogels are cross-linked polymer networks containing water, and their high histocompatibility and drug release have attracted much attention. The slow and continuous release of drug is achieved by loading PRP onto hydrogel. Its unique adhesion reduces the flow of drug in the joint, thus extending the local action time of PRP and reducing the need for repeated injection. This article reviews the biological characteristics of PRP and hydrogel, the mechanism of action and clinical application of PRP loaded hydrogel in the treatment of KOA, and analyzes the existing problems and challenges, aiming to provide more effective treatment options for KOA patients through the in-depth discussion of this new treatment method.
- Knee osteoarthritis,
- Platelet-rich plasma,
- Hydrogel,
- Mechanisms,
- Applications

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References(61)

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