From the Guidelines
The fibrin network in liquid Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF) is contained within the buffy coat layer, which forms a fibrin clot that entraps regenerative cells, leukocytes, and growth factors, facilitating the slow and gradual release of growth factors 1. When considering the composition of liquid PRF, it's essential to understand the role of the buffy coat layer, which is rich in platelets, leukocytes, and growth factors.
- The buffy coat layer is the middle layer that forms when blood is centrifuged to create liquid PRF.
- This layer contains the fibrin network, which is formed when thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin during the natural clotting process.
- The fibrin network in liquid PRF is crucial for promoting angiogenesis and facilitating the slow and gradual release of growth factors, as noted in the context of bone augmentation procedures 1.
- The use of PRF in clinical applications has been shown to promote soft tissue healing and wound closure, indirectly supporting bone formation, although the current evidence is inconclusive regarding its ability to promote bone formation 1.
- However, the ability of the fibrin network to entraps regenerative cells, leukocytes, and growth factors makes it a valuable component in the regeneration process during bone augmentation procedures 1.
From the Research
Composition of Liquid Platelet-rich Fibrin (PRF)
- The component of liquid PRF that contains the fibrin network is the upper plasma layer composed of liquid fibrinogen/thrombin prior to clot formation 2.
- This liquid fibrinogen/thrombin 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 matrix is a key component of PRF, providing a bioscaffold for tissue regeneration and a reservoir of growth factors 3.
- The microstructure of PRF appears as two zones, the zone of platelets and the zone of fibrin, which resembles a mesh containing blood cells 3.
Key Characteristics of PRF
- PRF is a naturally derived fibrin scaffold that is easily obtained from peripheral blood following centrifugation 2.
- PRF is a rich source of autologous cytokines and growth factors, and is universally used for tissue regeneration in current clinical medicine 3.
- PRF has been shown to increase proliferation, migration, and promote differentiation of human alveolar bone marrow stem cells (hABMSCs) in vitro 3.
- PRF has been used in various clinical fields, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, Ear-Nose-Throat surgery, plastic surgery, orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, gynecologic and cardiovascular surgery, and ophthalmology 4.