Abstract
Objectives
Platelet-rich
fibrin (PRF) has gained tremendous momentum in recent years as a
natural autologous growth factor derived from blood capable of
stimulating tissue regeneration. Owing to its widespread use, many
companies have commercialized various centrifugation devices with
various proposed protocols. The aim of the present study was to compare 3
different commercially available centrifuges at both high and low
g-force protocols.
Materials and methods
PRF
was produced on three commercially available centrifuges including the
IntraSpin Device (IntraLock), the Duo Quattro (Process for PRF), and
Salvin (Salvin Dental). Two separate protocols were tested on each
machine including the original leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin
(L-PRF) protocol (~ 700 RCF max (~ 400 RCF clot) for 12 min) as well as
the advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF+) protocol (~ 200 g RCF max
(~ 130 g RCF clot) for 8 min). Each of the tested groups was compared
for cell numbers, growth factor release, scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) for morphological differences, and clot size (both weight and
length/width).
Results
The
present study found that PRF clots produced utilizing the low-speed
centrifugation speeds (~ 200 g for 8 min) produce clots that (1)
contained a higher concentration of evenly distributed platelets, (2)
secreted higher concentrations of growth factors over a 10 day period,
and (3) were smaller in size. This was irrespective of the
centrifugation device utilized and consistently observed on all 3
devices. The greatest impact was found between the protocols utilized
(up to a 200%). Interestingly, it was further revealed that the
centrifugation tubes used had a much greater impact on the final size
outcome of PRF clots when compared to centrifugation devices. It was
found that, in general, the Process for PRF tubes produced significantly
greater-sized clots when compared to other commercially available
tubes. The Salvin Dental tubes also produced significantly greater PRF
clots when compared to the IntraLock tubes on each of the tested
centrifugation devices.
Conclusions
The
present study demonstrated the reproducibility of a scientific concept
(reduction in RCF produces PRF clots with more evenly distributed cells
and growth factors) utilizing different devices. Furthermore, (and until
now overlooked), it was revealed for the first time that the
centrifugation tubes are central to the quality production of PRF.
Future research investigating tube characteristics thus becomes
critically important for the future optimization of PRF.
Clinical relevance
This
is the first study to reveal the marked impact of centrifugation tubes
on the final production of PRF. Future study thus becomes markedly
important to further optimize the quality of PRF-based matrices. It was
further found that little variability existed between the centrifugation
devices if optimized centrifugation protocols (lower centrifugation
speeds) were utilized.
Comments