%0 Journal Article
%T Platelet-Rich Fibrin as a Biofuel for Tissue Regeneration
%A Sujeet Vinayak Khiste
%A Ritam Naik Tari
%J ISRN Biomaterials
%D 2013
%R 10.5402/2013/627367
%X Wound healing is a staged process which involves the activity of leukocytes and platelets. For this process to work efficiently, the platelets play a vital role. The growth factors present in platelets are important to guide the regenerating cells to the area of healing. Platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) is one such material that holds on to these growth factors enmeshed in the fibrin network resulting in their sustained release over a period of time that can accelerate the wound healing process. With this knowledge, research has been carried out for a past few years for the clinical application of PRF. Various platelet concentrates have been studied including the platelet-rich-plasma (PRP). However, the short duration of cytokine release and its poor mechanical properties have resulted in the search of a new material with adequate properties for clinical application and ease of preparation. PRF has found a place in the regenerative field owing to its advantages over PRP. This review focuses on the properties and various applications of PRF in the clinical practice. 1. Introduction Excogitation in the concept of tissue engineering has brought about a drastic improvement in the healing response of tissues. Various pathological etiologies result in dysfunction of the oral tissues and creation of bony defects, thus affecting the quality of life in these patients. The pivotal goal in periodontal and maxillofacial tissue regeneration is to reconstruct these defects which led to the search of a biofuel [1]. Focus has constantly been on devising a ¡°wonder material¡± that is most effective in its regenerative potential. Various platelet-derived products or platelet concentrates have been introduced that act as biological mediators aiding the healing response. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is one such product that has proved its worth and has edged past the others. The Choukroun¡¯s platelet rich fibrin has opened the flood-gates in the field of dentistry, majorly focusing on the improved healing and regeneration [2]. Thus PRF has also been tagged as a healing biomaterial [2]. The world of medicine was acquainted with the regenerative potential of platelets in 1974. The platelet concentrates have been used for the improvement of reparation and regeneration of the soft and hard tissues after various periodontal surgical procedures. Using platelet concentrates is a way to accelerate and enhance the body¡¯s natural wound healing mechanisms [2]. PRF is a second-generation platelet concentrate widely used to accelerate soft and hard tissue healing and is a strictly autologous
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.biomaterials/2013/627367/