Original Article

The antimicrobial effects of cord blood-derived platelet gel on nosocomial pathogens

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Umbilical cord blood-derived platelet gel (CBPG) is rich in growth factors (GFs) and antimicrobial peptides. This study evaluated its in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against dominant nosocomial pathogens.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, CB samples were taken from 12 healthy pregnant women post-cesarean at Motahari Hospital, Jahrom. Platelet -rich plasma (PRP) was isolated using a two-step centrifugation protocol (soft-spin: 200×g, 10 min; hard spin:1000×g, 15 min, 22°C) and activated with calcium and human thrombin to form PG. Antimicrobial effect of PG was determined against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus spp., and Penicillium spp. using broth microdilution and time-kill assays per CLSI guidelines.
Results: PG exhibited strong bacteriostatic activity against MRSA and K. pneumoniae (MIC 2.2–2.8 × 10⁸ platelets/mL; 1.7-1.8 log₁₀ reduction at 24 h, p < 0.001), while PRP was moderately active and PPP was ineffective. No significant activity was observed against P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii (p= 0.2). PG showed sustained fungistatic effects (MIC: 1.9-4.2× 10⁸ platelets/mL up to 72 h).
Conclusion: CBPG exhibits potent bacteriostatic and fungistatic effects, particularly against MDR Gram-positive bacteria, offering a novel autologous antimicrobial.

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IssueVol 18 No 1 (2026) QRcode
SectionOriginal Article(s)
DOI https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v18i1.20933
Keywords
Antifungal agents Anti-bacterial agents Platelet rich plasma Microbial sensitivity tests Umbilical cord blood
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How to Cite
1.
Hashemi Tayer A, Shokoohi G. The antimicrobial effects of cord blood-derived platelet gel on nosocomial pathogens. Iran J Microbiol. 2026;18(1):74-81.