Striking Differences in Platelet Distribution between Advanced-Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Concentrated Growth Factors: Effects of Silica-Containing Plastic Tubes

Abstract

Compared with platelet-rich plasma, the preparation of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is simple and has not been overly modified. However, it was recently demonstrated that centrifugation conditions influence the composition of PRF and that silica microparticles from silica-coated plastic tubes can enter the PRF matrix. These factors may also modify platelet distribution. To examine these possibilities, we prepared PRF matrices using various types of blood-collection tubes (plain glass tubes and silica-containing plastic tubes) and different centrifugation speeds. The protocols of concentrated growth factors and advanced-PRF represented high- and low-speed centrifugation, respectively. Platelet distribution in the PRF matrix was examined immunohistochemically. Using low-speed centrifugation, platelets were distributed homogeneously within the PRF matrix regardless of tube types. In high-speed centrifugation, platelets were distributed mainly on one surface region of the PRF matrix in glass tubes, whereas in silica-coated tubes, platelet distribution was commonly more diffusive than in glass tubes. Therefore, both blood-collection tube types and centrifugal conditions appeared to influence platelet distribution in the PRF matrix. Platelets distributed in the deep regions of the PRF matrix may contribute to better growth factor retention and release. However, clinicians should be careful in using silica-coated tubes because their silica microparticles may be a health hazard.

In vitro and in vivo effects of concentrated growth factor on cells and tissues

“…Also, different concentrations of CGF among the donors, different blood volumes used for CGF preparation, and different periods used for preparing CGF extract could disturb the results. Another agent is the test tube used for blood collection, which its material may interfere with the properties of CGF (Bonazza et al, ; Tsujino et al, ). The release dynamics of growth factors should be considered before obtaining the extract.…”

“…Another agent is the test tube used for blood collection, which its material may interfere with the properties of CGF (Bonazza et al, 2016;Tsujino et al, 2019 (Borsani et al, 2015), more sophistical research showed that some of the growth factors are released during 8 hr, while the release of some others continues throughout 13 days (Dohan Ehrenfest, de Peppo, Doglioli, & Sammartino, 2009;Honda et al, 2013;Zumstein et al, 2012). Based on these differences, the optimum concentration of CGF could vary in studies.…”

Concentrated Growth Factor Matrices Prepared Using Silica-Coated Plastic Tubes Are Distinguishable From Those Prepared Using Glass Tubes in Platelet Distribution: Application of a Novel Near-Infrared Imaging-Based, Quantitative Technique

“…In a previous study of CGF matrices (Kobayashi et al, 2012), we examined platelet distribution on the surface regions using SEM and obtained similar findings. While comparing glass tubes to silica-coated tubes (Tsujino et al, 2019b), we previously demonstrated that high-speed centrifugation accumulated platelets on the distal surface regions in glass-prepared matrices, but homogeneously in silica-prepared matrices.…”

“…From the results of SEM and additionally of immunohistochemical staining or simulation studies using liquid PRF preparations (Kobayashi et al, 2012;Watanabe et al, 2017;Miron et al, 2019a;Tsujino et al, 2019b), it is generally believed that centrifugation distributes platelets based on the difference in density gradient in the PRF matrix and in the plasma fraction of citrated blood samples. Thus, platelet density decreases as the distance to the rotor axis decreases (Kobayashi et al, 2012;Ghanaati et al, 2014;Dohan Ehrenfest et al, 2018;El Bagdadi et al, 2019;Miron et al, 2019a).…”

Platelet Concentrates in Musculoskeletal Medicine

“…Some studies have demonstrated that PCs obtained by blood collected in glass or silica-coated tubes presented different buffy-coat morphology, fibrin architecture and platelet/leukocyte distribution in the PC matrix [42]. Furthermore, silica micro-particles may be released by tube walls during centrifugation procedures, entrapped in PC matrix, thus modifying platelet distribution in the end-product [43].…”