Platelet-rich fibrin constructs elute higher concentrations of transforming growth factor-β1 and increase tendon cell proliferation over time when compared to blood clots: a comparative in vitro analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the concentration of a representative growth factor (transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-β]1) eluted from a platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFMatrix), a platelet-rich fibrin membrane (PRFMembrane), and a whole blood clot (BC) over time, and to compare the mitogenic effect of the eluents from each construct. STUDY
DESIGN: In vitro study. SAMPLE POPULATION: PRFMatrix, PRFMembrane, and BC (n=4/construct/time point).
METHODS: Each construct was placed in tissue culture wells containing media for 7 days. The media was collected and replenished on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 and the concentration of eluted TGF-β1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Canine tendon cells were subjected to additional aliquots of the conditioned media and the amount of cell proliferation compared.
RESULTS: The media from both PRFM (PRFMatrix and PRFMembrane) constructs contained significantly more (P≤.026) TGF-β1 at days 1 and 3 and produced a significant increase (P≤.044) in cell proliferation at all time points compared with the BC. The PRFMembrane media contained significantly more (P≤.05) TGF-β1 at days 1 and 3 and produced a significant increase (P≤.002) in cell proliferation at all time points compared with the PRFMatrix.
CONCLUSIONS: Both PRFM constructs are comprised of a dense fibrin scaffold that contains increased concentrations of TGF-β1 and are capable of increasing tendon cell proliferation over time when compared with a BC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The sustained increase in growth factor availability in PRFM constructs may be beneficial in the healing of biologically compromised tissues. © Copyright 2010 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.