Architectural and Ultrastructural Variations of Human Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin

Abstract

Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) architecture and ultrastructure plays a crucial role in regulating and coordinating the cellular functions and provides a physical architecture, mechanical stability, and biochemical cues necessary for tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. No study consciously reported the variation in architecture, ultrastructure, and morphology of leukocyte-rich PRF (L-PRF) and injectable PRF (i-PRF). Objective: Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate the fibrin architecture, ultrastructure, and cell contents of autologous L-PRF and i-PRF. Materials and Methods: The autologous L-PRF and i-PRF were prepared from blood samples of healthy donors. The morphological and structural variations were assessed by histopathology, atomic force microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscope, and field emission scanning electron microscope. Results: Disparity was found on architecture and ultrastructure of L-PRF and i-PRF fibrin network. The variation in platelet and leukocyte concentration attributed to the fibrin conformational changes. L-PRF shows thick fibrins with rough surface, whereas in i-PRF, smooth thin fibrins. Conclusions: The current study revealed that there is heterogeneity between L-PRF and i-PRF fibrin matrix architecture, ultrastructure, platelets, leukocytes, and the fibrin content. These speculate that the diameter, width, roughness, and smoothness of fibrin fibers, pore size, and shapes of L-PRF and i-PRF matrix may initiate and mediate the scaffold functions differently.

Nanostructure characteristics of three types of platelet-rich fibrin biomaterial: a histological and immunohistochemical study

“…Architecturally and nanostructurally interconnected fibrin networks in PRF biomaterials can be visualized using various techniques, such as hematoxylin and eosin staining, atomic force microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy [40,41]. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of PRF revealed a polymerized interconnected fibrin network and a large population of living cells, including lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, erythrocytes, and stem cells [39,42].…”

Evaluation of the efficacy of injectable platelet‐rich fibrin versus platelet‐rich plasma in the regeneration of traumatized necrotic immature maxillary anterior teeth: A randomized clinical trial

“…Being composed of fibrinogen and thrombin in a fluid consistency prior to fibrin formation, it has a loose, porous network embedding many biologically active molecules. 61 The much less speed, shorter duration of centrifugation and using plain plastic tubes can cause a slow physiological polymerization of fibrin, form a flexible clot that acts as a dynamic hydrogel, support cytokine enmeshment, and better preserve the number and integrity of the contained biomolecules. 62,63 The greater secretion of chemotactic cytokines, such as the bFGF, can recruit endogenous stem cells and induce their differentiation and proliferation for dental pulp regeneration.…”

“…The greater regenerative capacity of i‐PRF can be explained by its components and physical characteristics. Being composed of fibrinogen and thrombin in a fluid consistency prior to fibrin formation, it has a loose, porous network embedding many biologically active molecules 61 . The much less speed, shorter duration of centrifugation and using plain plastic tubes can cause a slow physiological polymerization of fibrin, form a flexible clot that acts as a dynamic hydrogel, support cytokine enmeshment, and better preserve the number and integrity of the contained biomolecules 62,63 .…”