From the Guidelines
The fibrin network in liquid Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) is formed from the conversion of fibrinogen, which is contained within the buffy coat layer, into fibrin strands upon exposure to calcium ions or contact with tissue. This process is crucial for the therapeutic effects of PRF, as it creates a three-dimensional matrix that serves as a scaffold for cell migration and proliferation, and provides sustained release of growth factors from the entrapped platelets 1. When blood is centrifuged to create liquid PRF, it separates into three layers: red blood cells at the bottom, plasma at the top, and the buffy coat in the middle. The buffy coat contains platelets, leukocytes, and fibrinogen that will convert to fibrin, forming a fibrin clot that entraps regenerative cells, leukocytes, and growth factors, facilitating the slow and gradual release of growth factors 1. Key points about the fibrin network in PRF include:
- The formation of the fibrin network is what distinguishes PRF from other platelet concentrates, as it occurs naturally without anticoagulants or bovine thrombin.
- The fibrin network's formation is triggered by the coagulation cascade, which converts fibrinogen into fibrin strands that create a three-dimensional matrix.
- This matrix is crucial for the therapeutic effects of PRF, serving as a scaffold for cell migration and proliferation, and providing sustained release of growth factors from the entrapped platelets 1.
From the Research
Component of Liquid Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF)
- The component of liquid Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) that contains the fibrin network is the upper plasma layer composed of liquid fibrinogen/thrombin prior to clot formation 2.
- This liquid formulation of PRF remains in its liquid phase for approximately 15 minutes until injected into bodily tissues, at which point it forms a fibrin network 2.
- The fibrin network in PRF is thought to act as a bioscaffold and reservoir of growth factors for tissue regeneration 3.
- The formation of the fibrin network in PRF is a result of the interaction between fibrinogen and thrombin, which are present in the liquid formulation of PRF 2.
- The resulting fibrin network provides a framework for cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, and can enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration 3, 4.