Cocktail Protocol for Preparation of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Glue for Autologous Use

BACKGROUND: Biomaterials containing platelets have been used to promote healing of ulcers and burns, as well as in implantology and maxillofacial and plastic surgery to achieve wound healing and tissue repair. Commercial devices to prepare autologous biomaterials involve diverse preparation methods that can have high production costs and low yields. Hence, we designed a protocol for preparation of large amounts of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) glue using conventional processing techniques for blood components. METHODS: Autologous whole blood collected 72 h before surgery was processed to prepare platelet concentrates and cryoprecipitate. In a closed system, calcium was added to the cryoprecipitate to release autologous thrombin and generate a firm fibrin clot. The fibrin clot, platelets and calcium were then placed in a conical flask in which a PRF glue formed. The protocol was validated through determination of pre- and post-platelet counts and fibrinogen amounts in the product. RESULTS: Platelets were recovered with 68% efficiency during the preparation. Essentially no platelets or fibrinogen were found in the supernatant of the PRF glue, suggesting that nearly all had been incorporated in a PRF glue having a relatively large (8 cm × 10 cm) size. CONCLUSION: The protocol described here is a cost-effective, simple and closed system that can be used to produce large-size PRF glue to promote repair of major surgical defects.