Tensile Strength, Cellular Content, and Degradation Properties in Three Generations of Concentrated Growth Factor

Background Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) is a biomaterial with regenerative potential, enriched with platelets, leukocytes, growth factors, and fibrin, but it degrades within 2–3 weeks. Albumin extends CGF stability, while silver nanoparticles (SNPs) improve its mechanical and antibacterial properties. This in vitro and ex vivo study investigates the impact of albumin (Alb-CGF) and albumin with SNPs (Alb-CGF-SNP) on CGF’s mechanical properties, degradation rate, and cellular bioactivity. Methods Blood samples were collected from 15 healthy volunteers who met specific inclusion criteria, with the sample size determined using GPower software for power calculation. Three groups were prepared: control CGF, experimental Alb-CGF, and Alb-CGF-SNP. Membranes were produced using a Medifuge MF200 centrifuge and activated plasma albumin gel (APAG) device following standard settings. In experimental groups, the superficial 2.5 ml of plasma layer was heated at 75°C for 10 minutes before combining with the buffy coat layer of CGF. Mechanical properties were tested using a texture analyzer, degradation rates were measured by weight loss percentage, and cellular bioactivity was evaluated with a Sysmex hematology analyzer. Data analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 8.0. Group differences were assessed via one-way ANOVA and Welch ANOVA, with Tukey’s HSD test for post hoc paired group comparisons. Results The control (CGF) showed the highest mechanical properties, with Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) (95.6 kPa), Modulus of Toughness (55.55 kJ/m³), and Young’s Modulus (75.73 kPa; P  = .00). No significant differences were observed in the strain at break across groups ( P  > 0.90). Alb-CGF-SNP displayed superior degradation resistance, with 45.2% weight loss at day 60 versus 84.2% in CGF ( P  = .00). CGF had the highest WBC and platelet levels, with amounts of 2.25 and 3.11-fold ( P  = .00). Conclusion CGF offers high tensile strength and cellular content, though its rapid degradation limits long-term applications. In contrast, Alb-CGF and Alb-CGF-SNP provide extended degradation resistance, making them effective as barrier membranes. Despite lower elasticity restricting suturing uses, their similar plasticity supports use as fillers or for tissue phenotype alteration, especially when minimizing degradation is vital. Future research on growth factor release, antibacterial efficacy, and in vivo applications is crucial for validation.