New insights into and novel applications for platelet-rich fibrin therapies

The therapeutic use of autologous platelet-rich plasma constitutes a relatively new biotechnology that has been a breakthrough in the stimulation and acceleration of soft-tissue and bone healing. The efficiency of this process lies in the local and continuous delivery of a wide range of growth factors and proteins, mimicking the needs of the physiological wound healing and reparative tissue processes. Consequently, the application of platelet-rich plasma has been extended to many different fields, including orthopedics, sports medicine, dentistry, cosmetic and periodontal medicine and cosmetic, plastic and maxillofacial surgery. This article highlights the use of this technology and discusses some of the obstacles and challenges that need to be addressed to maintain progress in this field.