Leucocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) represents an FDA cleared preparation of autologous platelet concentrates that possesses unique fibrin architecture, enriched platelets and abundant growth factors. Here, we present a protocol for chair-side generation of L-PRF as well as evaluate its mechanical properties including uniaxial testing and suture retention strength testing.
Autologous platelet concentrates represent promising innovative tools in the field of regenerative medicine and have been extensively used in oral surgery. Unlike platelet rich plasma (PRP) that is a gel or a suspension, Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) is a solid 3D fibrin membrane generated chair-side from whole blood containing no anti-coagulant. The membrane has a dense three dimensional fibrin matrix with enriched platelets and abundant growth factors. L-PRF is a popular adjunct in surgeries because of its superior handling characteristics as well as its suturability to the wound bed. The goal of the study is to demonstrate generation as well as provide detailed characterization of relevant properties of L-PRF that underlie its clinical success.
The use of blood and blood-derived products to seal wounds and improve healing in different clinical situations started with fibrin glues, which are mainly fibrinogen concentrates. Addition of platelets to fibrin glue not only improved their strength but also promoted neoangiogenesis and regeneration. These benefits are attributed to the release of a variety of peptide growth factors from the alpha-granules of platelets upon activation1. Platelet concentrates (PC) were seen as a practical way to deliver growth factors2 and its use was driven by commercial interests rather than research characterization3. In fact, PCs are difficult to characterize unlike homogenous and defined pharmacological preparations, they are a potpourri of signaling molecules and blood cells (platelet and leukocytes) entrapped within a fibrin matrix. Different commercial and proprietary preparations yield a variety of PC that are different in cellular composition, growth factor recovery and kinetics of release4.
It is important to realize that in most oral surgeries, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations are used as a gel in open surgical wounds and not as platelet suspensions. In these situations, the gelation is induced by the addition of thrombin, calcium chloride, batroxobin or other agents and directly placed in the site of injury5. Due to rapid activation, fibrinogen polymerization is often incomplete and results in friable fibrin gels with very little mechanical strength. In addition, injectable PRP gels undergo rapid fibrinolysis6,7.
In contrast, the processes of blood coagulation (fibrinogen polymerization), platelet enrichment and activation occur simultaneously in the preparation of L-PRF8. The coagulation cascade is triggered when whole blood contacts the walls of a dry glass tube and continues throughout the centrifugation process. This results in the formation of a mechanically-strong blood clot (L-PRF) that can be surgically handled and used.
Even though L-PRF has been investigated in terms of optimal methods of preparation, growth factor release and cell distribution9-11, detailed mechanical characterization of these membranes are lacking. This is significant gap in knowledge, given the popularity of these membranes in clinical practice as well as its potential to be used as a biomaterial. Current study focusses on the protocol for deriving L-PRF as well as methods that can be employed to study its mechanical properties. This data is intended to serve as baseline for ongoing studies investigating the viscoelastic properties of this interesting natural biomaterial.
Аутологичные концентраты тромбоцитов перспективных в области регенеративной медицины 18 из-за обилия факторов роста. Тем не менее, эти препараты часто не хватало определенную структуру, что делает хирургического вмешательства очень трудно. Много раз, суспензии и гели не фактиче?…
The authors have nothing to disclose.
The project was supported by CTSA (UL1TR000058) from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences) and the CCTR Endowment Fund of Virginia Commonwealth University. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent official views of the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences or the National Institutes of Health.
Needle 19G | BD | 305186 | |
Needle Disposal Container | Fisherbrand | 14-827-122 | |
Red-Topped Glass Collection Tube | BD | 8020129 | |
Gauze Pads | Tyco | 5750 | |
Bandage | Johnson & Johnson | 5005989 | |
Surshield | Terumo | SV*S19BL | Safety winged infusion set |
Blood Collection Assembly | BD | 303380 | |
Tourniquets | BD | 367203 | |
Brand Luer Adapter | Vacutainer | L42179 | |
Intra-Spin System | Intra-Lock International | ISS110 | Centrifuge and Xpression L-PRF FabricationKit |
Pipettes (Serological & Micro) | Corning | ||
Scalpel | Exelint | 29552 | |
MTS Bionix 200 | MTS Systems Corporation | Material testing systems | |
MTS Test Works 4 | MTS Systems Corporation | ||
Whatman Filter Paper | Whatman | 1004 070 | |
SS Orthodontic ligature wire | Patterson Dental | 628-4228 | |
200 Proof Ethanol | Koptec | V1001 | |
Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) | Aldrich | 440191 | |
Aluminium Mounting Stubs | Ted Pella | 16324 | |
Double Sided Carbon Tape | PELCO Tabs | 16084-1 | |
Scanning Electron Microscope | JEOL | LV 5610 | |
Trypsin | HyClone | SH30042.01 | |
Cell Culture Incubator | Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc | 51026282 | |
Antibiotic-Antimicotic | Gibco | 15240-062 | |
Genipin | Wako | 078-03021 | |
Cell Culture Media | Gibco | 12000-022 | Minimum Essential Medium-Alpha |
MTS Reagent | Promega | G1118 | |
PMS Reagent | Sigma | P9625 | |
Spectrophotometer | BioTek | Epoch Spectrophotometer | |
10mm Glass Cloning Rings | Corning | 3166-10 | |
T-75 Flask | Corning | 430641 | |
DPBS | Corning | 55-031-PB | |
Ninhydrin 98% | Aldrich | 454044 | |
24 Well Plate | Corning | 3987 | |
Biopsy Punch | Acu Punch | P1025 | |
Digital Micrometer | Pittsburgh | 68305 | |
Glutaraldehyde | Sigma | G6257 | |
12 Well Plate | Corning | 3336 | |
96 Well Plate | Corning | 3596 |