Light assisted activation of platelet-rich plasma for enhanced and controlled release of growth factors: a technology-driven proof-of-concept framework

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in regenerative medicine due to its high content of growth factors and bioactive molecules involved in tissue repair and regeneration. However, the lack of standardized preparation protocols leads to significant variability in clinical outcomes. To address this limitation, photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional chemical activation methods, enabling more controlled PRP stimulation and sustained growth factor release, while avoiding the rapid burst secretion and potential platelet damage induced by thrombin or CaCl₂. In this study, we developed a compact illumination system capable of delivering fluence-controlled irradiation at 660 and 830 nm for ex vivo PRP activation and evaluated its effects using an integrated analytical approach combining ELISA and Raman spectroscopy. Results: The effects of different fluences (10-15 J/cm2) and incubation times (1, 24, 48 and 72 h) were systematically investigated to evaluate dose-response effects on PRP activation. To support real-time, label-free monitoring and facilitate clinical translation, Raman spectroscopy was assessed as a non-destructive analytical tool, with ELISA used for reference validation. Our results show that PBM induces reproducible biochemical changes in PRP, with Raman spectral signatures at 72 h (10 and 15 J/cm²) correlating with ELISA growth factor release. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that controlled light-based stimulation enables tunable PRP activation while preserving platelet structural integrity. Integrating a compact PBM device with portable Raman spectroscopy provides a non-destructive, clinically compatible strategy for both modulating and monitoring PRP activation. This approach establishes a technological framework for standardized, dose-defined PRP photoactivation and supports the development of translational, light-guided regenerative therapies.