Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for tissue repair

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Testing the function of platelet rich fibrin and platelet rich plasma in tissue repair and regeneration.

  • IRAS ID

    295366

  • Contact name

    Vanessa Hearnden

  • Contact email

    v.hearnden@sheffield.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Sheffield

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 11 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    To generate human platelet rich plasma (PRP) or platelet rich fibrin (PRF) to test the regenerative potential of PRP/PRF in combination with biomaterials. Platelet rich plasma/fibrin is currently used as an autologous therapy for a number of regenerative purposes. Whilst it is used clinically there is a lack of strong in vitro and clinical evidence to support its use. Our group will first investigate how PRF/PRP affects tissue wound healing in vitro. We will then use this knowledge to design biomaterials to regenerate soft and hard tissues. We aim to test whether the addition of PRP/PRF to these biomaterials induces favourable properties. We will measure how the incorporation of PRP/PRF into biomaterials influences the behaviour of
    materials biologically as well as how it affects their material properties.

    Results Summary
    Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is characterised by exposed necrotic bone with persistent mucosal wounds in the oral cavity. The disease is found in patients receiving bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporosis, myeloma and bone metastasis. The current management of MRONJ remains challenging as existing therapies have inconsistent outcomes, are often ineffective and are unable to resolve the disease. Novel approaches, including platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) have been introduced as potential solutions to enhance the healing of MRONJ wounds caused by bisphosphonate toxicity. PRF can be produced from a patients own blood and injected into the wound.
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PRF on the behaviour of oral mucosa cells. We used two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) in vitro oral mucosa models to replicate
    MRONJ-like conditions. Zoledronate (ZA) and pamidronate (PA), the two bisphosphonates most commonly associated with MRONJ development, were used to induce oral mucosa
    toxicity as seen in MRONJ.
    PRF was shown to be biocompatible and demonstrated some positive effects on oral mucosal healing in the presence of bisphosphonates. PRF was shown to enhance cell proliferation and migration. Results from this study highlighted the potential of PRF to support soft tissue repair in MRONJ treatment.

  • REC name

    North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    22/NW/0034

  • Date of REC Opinion

    14 Mar 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion