In Vitro Analysis of Healing Properties of Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) vs. Collagen Membranes in Guided Tissue Regeneration.

Aim: The present study sought to assess, using growth factor release and tissue integration, the in vitro healing characteristics of collagen membranes and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in guided tissue regeneration (GTR).

Materials and methods: The control was commercially available collagen membranes; PRF membranes were produced using a normal centrifugation technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine structural features. Key growth factors-including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Using scratch tests, we assessed wound healing capacity and fibroblast migration. The student's t-test was used for statistical analysis; P < 0.001 was considered to be significant.

Results: While collagen membranes showed a consistent porosity shape, PRF showed a rich fibrin network, including embedded platelets and leukocytes. At 14 days, PRF showed much more cell growth (P < 0.001). Growth factor analysis showed that PRF generated more TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, and VEGF with consistent release (P < 0.001). PRF shows greater healing properties than collagen membranes with enhanced cellular proliferation, movement, and release of growth factors.

Conclusion: These results suggest that PRF might be a more effective biomaterial for use in guided tissue regeneration.