Cytology and histology characteristics of platelet-rich fibrin

Background: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a biomaterial whose frame is a network of fibrin fibers containing cells from peripheral blood and growth factors. PRF biomaterials have great potential for application in regenerative medicine, especially in maxillofacial surgery and orthopedic trauma. The purpose of this study is to investigate the cytological and histological properties of PRF in order to provide the background knowledge for the applied studies of PRF. Materials and Methods: Peripheral blood from 10 rabbits collected via the ear artery was used to generate platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin. Blood samples with anticoagulant are centrifuged to obtain fractions of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Platelet rich and white blood cell rich plasma (L-PRP). Plasma is fibrinated with Calcium chloride (CaCl2) to produce platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), Platelet rich and white blood cell rich fibrin (L-PRF). The cellular composition of PRP and L-PRP was investigated using an automated veterinary hematology analyzer. The histological structures of PRF and L-PRF were examined by Hematoxylin-Eosin and Sirius Red staining. Results: The results of cell composition showed that PRP almost did not contain cellular components such as white blood cells and red blood cells, and the platelet concentration was lower than that of peripheral blood. Meanwhile, L-PRP contains a large number of cellular components, especially a high density of white blood cells and platelets. Histological examination results showed that PRF had a dense network of fibrin fibers and lacked the presence of cells. Conclusions: The PRF and L-PRF biomaterials have a suitable spatial structure as a natural biological substrate. Furthermore, L-PRF has a rich cellular component that has great potential in promoting tissue regeneration Key words: Biomaterials, Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet rich and white blood cell rich plasma (L-PRP), tissue regenerative medicine, histological structure