From the Research
Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) provides a longer duration of growth factor release compared to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), with PRF sustaining release for 7-14 days or longer, as demonstrated in the most recent and highest quality study 1. The difference in growth factor release duration between PRP and PRF can be attributed to the formation of a natural fibrin matrix in PRF, which acts as a scaffold for the gradual release of growth factors as the matrix degrades. In contrast, PRP lacks this structured matrix, resulting in a more immediate but shorter-lived release pattern. Some key points to consider when comparing PRP and PRF include:
- The release kinetics of growth factors, with PRP releasing growth factors rapidly over 1-3 days, and PRF releasing growth factors over a longer period of 7-14 days or more 1
- The presence of a fibrin network in PRF, which protects growth factors from proteolysis and enhances their stability 2
- The presence of leukocytes and stem cells in PRF, which contribute to prolonged biological activity 3
- The potential applications of PRF, including wound healing and tissue regeneration, where the slower and more gradual release of growth factors may better support the natural healing process over time 4 Overall, the extended release profile of PRF makes it potentially more effective for applications requiring sustained growth factor presence, and PRF is recommended over PRP for such applications due to its longer duration of growth factor release.