Fluid platelet-rich fibrin stimulates greater dermal skin fibroblast cell migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis when compared to platelet-rich plasma.

BACKGROUND

Regenerative therapies in the field of facial aesthetics have become a growing field of interest with many recent advancements made over the past decade to meet the growing worldwide demand. While first versions of platelet-derived concentrates were formulated with anticoagulants (PRP), recent modifications to centrifugation speeds and times have permitted the development of a liquid platelet-rich fibrin (fluid-PRF) without use of anticoagulants.

OBJECTIVE

To compare this entirely natural platelet concentrate (fluid-PRF) to formally utilized PRP on skin cell behavior and regeneration.

METHODS

Dermal skin fibroblast was cultivated with either fluid-PRF or PRP and investigated for their ability to promote/influence cell viability, migration, spreading, proliferation, and mRNA levels of known mediators of dermal biology including PDGF, TGF-beta, and fibronectin.

RESULTS

All platelet concentrates were nontoxic to cells demonstrating high cell survival. Skin fibroblasts migrated over 350% more in fluid-PRF when compared to control and PRP (200% increase). Fluid-PRF also significantly induced greater cell proliferation at 5 days. While both PRP and fluid-PRF induced significantly elevated cell mRNA levels of PDGF, it was observed that TGF-beta, collagen 1, and fibronectin mRNA levels were all significantly highest in the fluid-PRF group. Lastly, fluid-PRF demonstrated a significantly greater ability to induce collagen matrix synthesis when compared to PRP.

CONCLUSION

The findings from the present study demonstrate greater regenerative potential of fluid-PRF on human skin fibroblasts. Future clinical use of fluid-PRF in the field of facial aesthetics is necessary to further evaluate the potential advantages of anticoagulant removal from platelet concentrates.