A review of platelet-rich fibrin and its application in the treatment of diseases

Two decades have passed since platelet rich fibrin (PRF) was first introduced. The primary objective was to develop a therapy where platelet concentrates could be introduced into wounds by effectively utilizing the body’s natural healing capacity. This was achieved by collecting growth factors derived from blood in a natural way. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich growth factor (PRGF) had been commercialized, yet both contained secondary byproducts that were both unnatural and known inhibitors of wound healing. By removing these anti-coagulants and modifying centrifugation protocols, PRF was introduced some years later with the potential to markedly impact many fields of medicine including dentistry. Many aspects important for tissue regeneration have since been revealed including the important role of fibrin as well as the preferential release of growth factors over longer periods of time from PRF. Furthermore, by introducing a new set of cells into platelet concentrates, a marked impact on tissue regeneration and wound healing was observed. Further modifications to centrifugation speed and time have additionally improved PRF into a concept. Investigators began to modify surgical techniques to favorably treat patients with PRF with improved clinical outcomes. In this first chapter, we highlight the discovery of PRF and the studies leading to its first use in regenerative medicine. We focus specifically on its properties for wound healing and how its presented advantages over previous versions of platelet concentrates have favorably enhanced the regenerative potential of platelet concentrates in dentistry.