Stability of bioactive compounds and wound healing activities of porcine placental extract

Abstract

Porcine placental extract (PPE) is a biologically active substance enriched with proteins and regenerative mediators, offering therapeutic potential in wound healing applications. However, the long-term stability of PPE under various storage conditions remains unclear. This study investigated the biochemical stability and functional bioactivity of PPE stored at 4 °C and −20 °C for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Total protein content was quantified using the Bradford assay, while levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Functional assays included endothelial cell proliferation using the MTT assay and migration assessed by scratch wound healing assay on EA.hy926 cells. Results showed that total protein content declined significantly after as early as one month, with more than 50% reduction by 12 months at both temperatures. VEGF-A levels remained stable for one month before decreasing, whereas PDGF-BB levels dropped significantly from the first month. Despite these biochemical losses, PPE maintained stable bioactivity in promoting endothelial cell proliferation and migration throughout the 12-month period, regardless of storage temperature. These findings demonstrate that PPE retains functional efficacy for at least 12 months under refrigerated or rozen storage and support its potential development as a stable, bioactive wound-healing agent. Improved preservation techniques may further enhance its long-term biochemical integrity.