Abstract
Nowadays, research in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine is focusing on the identification of instructive scaffolds to address the requirements of both clinicians and patients to achieve prompt and adequate healing in case of injury. Among biomaterials, hemocomponents, and in particular Platelet-rich Fibrin matrices, have aroused widespread interest, acting as delivery platforms for growth factors, cytokines and immune/stem-like cells for immunomodulation; their autologous origin and ready availability are also noteworthy aspects, as safety- and cost-related factors and practical aspects make it possible to shorten surgical interventions. In fact, several authors have focused on the use of Platelet-rich Fibrin in cartilage and tendon tissue engineering, reporting an increasing number of in vitro, pre-clinical and clinical studies. This narrative review attempts to compare the relevant advances in the field, with particular reference being made to the regenerative role of platelet-derived growth factors, as well as the main pre-clinical and clinical research on Platelet-rich Fibrin in chondrogenesis and tenogenesis, thereby providing a basis for critical revision of the topic.
Highlights
The development of cost-effective biomaterial scaffolds to regulate inflammation and enhance wound healing processes is one of the most intriguing challenges in modern regenerative medicine and tissue engineering (TE)
When chondrocytes were cultured on FB scaffolds added with Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) exudates: - cell growth rate was significantly increased - mRNA expression of type-II collagen and GAGs was up-regulated - Synthesis of GAGs and proteoglycans was enhanced
- Highest concentration of platelets and leukocytes with 400× g centrifugation - leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) clots showed in vitro a continuous release of growth factors (GFs) which were significantly higher than levels expressed by normal blood at each culture time point - Higher release of GFs (i.e., CXCL4, IGF-1, platelet-derived GF (PDGF)-AB, and vascular endothelial GF (VEGF)) by the standard/gelatinous- compared to the dry/compressed group
Summary
The development of cost-effective biomaterial scaffolds to regulate inflammation and enhance wound healing processes is one of the most intriguing challenges in modern regenerative medicine and tissue engineering (TE). Materials of both biological and synthetic origin have been extensively investigated for regenerative purposes. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has recently aroused widespread interest as a biophysical and biochemical milieu that delivers growth factors (GFs), cytokines and immune/stem-like. The application of a single GF demonstrated a significant role in the enhancement of healing; because of dilution, the single “healing signal” exerts a temporary boost effect on the outcome This suggests the idea that administration of a pool of GFs gathered in an autologous product like the PRF may overcome such limitations [26]. This work overviews the relevant advances in the use of PRF for cartilage and tendon regeneration, focusing on the role of GFs in tissue healing and pre-clinical and clinical application studies
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
