Introduction and General Information
- Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a blood product used in dentistry and tissue regeneration.
- PRF is derived from the patient's own blood, making it safe and biocompatible.
- It contains a high concentration of platelets, growth factors, and cytokines that promote healing and tissue regeneration.
- PRF has gained popularity in dentistry due to its simplicity and positive clinical outcomes.
- PRF falls under FDA Product Code KST, classified as 510(k) exempt.
Applications in Periodontal Regeneration
- PRF has shown promising results in treating gingival recessions and promoting periodontal regeneration.
- It enhances alveolar bone augmentation and can be used as a biofuel for tissue regeneration in periodontal defects.
- PRF accelerates wound healing and reduces postoperative complications.
- It can be used in combination with other regenerative techniques for better outcomes.
Applications in Endodontics
- PRF has been used in revitalizing teeth with necrotic pulp and open apex.
- It promotes dental pulp regeneration and the formation of a functional root.
- PRF has antimicrobial properties that reduce infection and inflammation.
- It improves the success rate of apexification procedures.
- PRF can be easily prepared chairside, making it convenient in endodontic procedures.
Applications as a Biomaterial for Tissue Regeneration
- PRF acts as a scaffold for tissue regeneration and promotes angiogenesis.
- It enhances the proliferation and differentiation of various cell types involved in tissue regeneration.
- PRF has been used in the treatment of bone defects, sinus augmentation, and socket preservation.
- It has shown promising results in regenerating soft tissues like gingiva and oral mucosa.
- PRF can be combined with other biomaterials for better tissue regeneration outcomes.
Applications in Transfusion Medicine
- PRF is a natural alternative to traditional blood transfusions.
- It reduces the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections and allergic reactions.
- PRF can be used in patients with blood disorders or those who refuse blood transfusions for religious or personal reasons.
- It has been successfully used in various surgical procedures to promote wound healing and reduce blood loss.
- PRF can be easily prepared in a clinical setting, making it a cost-effective option in transfusion medicine.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) or leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) is a derivative of PRP where autologous platelets and leukocytes are present in a complex fibrin matrix to accelerate the healing of soft and hard tissue and is used as a tissue-engineering scaffold for endodontics. PRF falls under FDA Product Code KST, labeling it as a blood draw/Hematology product classifying it as 510(k) exempt.
To obtain PRF, required quantity of blood is drawn quickly into test tubes without an anticoagulant and centrifuged immediately. Blood can be centrifuged using a tabletop centrifuge from 3-8 minutes for 1300 revolutions per minute. The resultant product consists of the following three layers; topmost layer consisting of platelet poor plasma, PRF clot in the middle, and red blood cells (RBC) at the bottom. PRF is available as a fibrin clot. PRF clot can be removed from the test tube using a sterile tweezer-like instrument. After lifting, the RBC layer attached to the PRF clot can be carefully removed using a sterilized scissor.
Platelet activation in response to tissue damage occurs during the process of making PRF release several biologically active proteins including; platelet alpha granules, platelet‑derived growth factor (PGDF), transforming growth factors‑β (TGF‑β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor. Actually, the platelets and leukocyte cytokines play important parts in role of this biomaterial, but the fibrin matrix supporting them is the most helpful in constituting the determining elements responsible for real therapeutic potential of PRF. Cytokines are immediately used and destroyed in a healing wound. The harmony between cytokines and their supporting fibrin matrix has much more importance than any other platelet derivatives.
