Доктор Jong Seo KIM
Пластический хирург
SOUTH KOREA - Photothermal activation of PRP using metacell: enhancing platelet-derived growth factor release
Objectives: Metacell utilizes photothermal stimulation to activate platelet-rich plasma (PRP) without chemical additives. Controlled light and mild heat exposure induce platelet activation, promoting the release of growth factors such as PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF. This process mimics physiological activation pathways, preserving platelet integrity while enhancing extracellular vesicle and cytokine secretion. Compared to chemical activation, photothermal stimulation provides a more gradual and sustained release profile, potentially improving regenerative signaling and tissue response.
Introduction: Photothermal stimulation represents a novel, non-chemical approach for activating platelet-rich plasma (PRP). By applying controlled light energy and mild thermal exposure, platelets can be activated without exogenous agents such as calcium chloride or thrombin. This mechanism induces a physiologic activation cascade, leading to the release of key growth factors including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Materials / method: A total of 120 mL of autologous peripheral blood was collected from each participant under sterile conditions. The blood samples were processed using a standardized centrifugation protocol to isolate platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
The harvested PRP was subsequently activated via a photothermal stimulation method, applying controlled light energy and mild thermal exposure without the use of chemical activators.
Following activation, the PRP was divided into two applications:
Intravenous administration:
Facial intradermal injection:
Blood sample Laboratory analyses
Results: Post-treatment evaluations demonstrated a favorable systemic and local response. Laboratory findings revealed an improvement in liver function markers, along with a reduction in serum cholesterol levels following administration.
In addition, patients showed clinically observable improvements in facial skin quality, including enhanced texture, increased radiance, and overall skin rejuvenation.
These findings suggest that photothermally activated PRP may contribute to both systemic metabolic improvement and localized regenerative effects in the skin.
Conclusion: Photothermal activation of platelet-rich plasma provides a non-chemical, physiologically aligned method of platelet stimulation, enabling sustained release of growth factors while preserving platelet integrity.
This approach demonstrated dual benefits, including systemic improvements in metabolic markers and localized enhancement of skin quality following facial injection.
These findings suggest that photothermally activated PRP may serve as a promising strategy for both regenerative aesthetics and systemic therapy, warranting further controlled studies to validate its clinical efficacy.