Comparison of surface microtopography and mechanodegradation characteristics of platelet-rich fibrin membranes using two different centrifugation protocols

Abstract

Aim: To compare the surface microtopography and in vitro mechanodegradation characteristics of two different platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) preparation protocols, that is, leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF). Materials and Methods: For the present ex vivo study, blood samples were obtained from 20 healthy volunteers, who were divided into two groups: group I (L-PRF) and group II (A-PRF). For each experiment, five samples each were used for obtaining L-PRF and A-PRF membranes. Surface microtopography was demonstrated by using light microscopic studies and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Mechanical characteristics were evaluated by using Universal Testing Machine and nano Triboindentor. Membrane degradation properties were studied by using the Bradford method. The data were expressed in mean and standard deviation (SPSS 20.0 version, USA). Intergroup statistical significance was assessed by using an unpaired t-test and defined significant as P < 0.05. Results: Light microscopic examinations and SEM analysis have demonstrated that the L-PRF membrane contained thick densely arranged fibers than the A-PRF membrane. Mechanical characteristics have revealed that the tensile strength was higher, and the breaking strain was lower in the L-PRF membranes as compared with A-PRF membranes. The degradation profile demonstrated that the A-PRF membrane takes a prolonged time for degradation as compared with L-PRF. Conclusion: The present study justifies that differences in the centrifugation protocol have an influence on the surface microtopography and mechanodegradation characteristics of the PRF membrane.