Impact of glutaraldehyde cross-linking on the advanced platelet-rich fibrin membrane: Macroscopic, conventional light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic analysis.

Abstract

Advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) is a biopolymer that releases growth factors to facilitate healing. Along with other barrier membranes, the A-PRF membrane has proven to be beneficial in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) treatment. The cross-linking of the A-PRF membrane with glutaraldehyde (GLUT) has been attempted previously, and has been shown to prolong its degradation time and improve its mechanical properties. In the present study, the effects of GLUT cross-linking on macroscopic changes in the A-PRF membrane were assessed, and microscopic features were analyzed using a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effects of GLUT cross-linking on the A-PRF membrane through the macroscopic, microscopic and SEM examinations. A total of 18 human A-PRF membrane samples were prepared, half of which were treated with 0.1% GLUT, and the remaining were left untreated. The macroscopic measurements of the samples included weight, length and thickness, while specimen slides were prepared for light microscopic evaluation and SEM analysis. The GLUT cross-linked membranes weighed more and were thicker than the non-cross-linked membranes, but there was no change in length. Light microscopic images showed fewer cells at the head and tail, though cells were abundant in the body of the A-PRF membrane. The images acquired using SEM showed fibrin strands of greater thickness, but fewer interspersed cell bodies in the cross-linked membranes. This in vitro study revealed an increase in thickness and cross-linking fiber density along with the presence of viable cells in the GLUT-treated A-PRF membrane, which may prove its effectiveness in healing or serving as a barrier membrane in clinical trials.