Platelet activation and antimicrobial activity of L-PRF: a preliminary study

Leukocyte and platelet rich fibrin (L-PRF) is one of the platelet concentrates used to support regeneration and healing process. Many studies showed possible immunological and antibacterial properties of L-PRF. We perform an in vitro study to analyze the effect of L-PRF on platelet activation, platelet-leukocytes interactions and antimicrobial activity, important components in the healing process. Molecular biomarkers related with platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte interactions were analyzed by means of flow cytometry when L-PRF exudate was added to whole blood platelets. L-PRF membrane was used to evaluate antimicrobial activity using Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). Our experimental design allows to evaluate platelet activation and analyze molecular biomarkers of other immune cells and platelet-leukocyte interactions. From the results obtained we can conclude that L-PRF can be a valuable tool in healing process, efficient in activating platelets of whole blood and inhibiting microbial growth. In our opinion, the use of L-PRF exudate, in addition to L-PRF membrane, presents some advantages that have to be considered in clinical trials. Additional research on the characterization and quantification of cells and its products present in the L-PRF exudate, as well as on the temporal factor released. Also, further studies using strains isolated from clinical cases are needed.