Simultaneous concentration of platelets and marrow cells: a simple and useful technique to obtain source cells and growth factors for regenerative medicine.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has attracted attention as a safe and cost-effective source of growth factors that stimulate cells to regenerate tissue. Bone marrow aspirate was processed with the same protocol to obtain PRP from peripheral blood. This concentrate contained condensed nucleated bone marrow cells, which are useful for regenerative medicine, as well as condensed platelets. In PRP derived from bone marrow aspirate, the density of platelets and levels of growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta) were the same as in PRP derived from peripheral blood. Condensation of nucleated cells, especially small-sized cells, was confirmed. With a simple and cost-effective technique, source cells and growth factors can be obtained at the same time. This simultaneous concentration of platelets and bone marrow cells has great potential as a source of materials for regenerative medicine.