In vitro immunological and biological evaluations of the angiogenic potential of platelet-rich fibrin preparations: a standardized comparison with PRP preparations

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derivative mainly composed of fibrin networks, has been increasingly demonstrated to be effective in wound healing in clinical and pre-clinical animal studies. However, there has still been a concern that major growth factors may significantly be loss from PRF during its preparation through the slow clotting process. To address this concern, we compared the angiogenic potential of PRF and PRP by standardization of procedures based on volume ratios. METHODS: PRP, PRF, and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were prepared from the peripheral blood of healthy donors. PRF preparations were squeezed or homogenized to produce exudate (PRFexu) or extract (PRFext), respectively. Concentrations of the angiogenic factors and their bioactivities were determined using ELISA kits, a scratch assay using endothelial cells and a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. RESULTS: In PRP and PRF preparations, both VEGF and PDGF-BB were significantly more concentrated than PPP. In the scratch assay, PRFexu and PRFext were the most effective for wound closure. In the CAM assay, PRF membranes were the most effective for neovascularization. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that PRF preparations efficiently preserve the angiogenic factors and function not only as a scaffolding material but as a reservoir of angiogenic factors in wound healing.