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Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Characterization of Leukocyte-platelet Rich Fibrin, A Novel Biomaterial
Published on: September 29, 2015
The effect of the anticoagulant on the cellular composition and growth factor content of platelet-rich plasma
Alper Murat Ulasli1, Gokhan Tuna Ozturk2, Bagdagul Cakir3
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim Akay Hospital, Lokman Hekim University, Büklüm Sokak No: 4, Kavaklıdere, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey. murat.ulasli@lokmanhekim.edu.tr.
Background:
The cellular and biochemical composition of the platelet rich plasma (PRP) may impact its regenerative capacity. PRP composition have been shown to vary substantially among different separation systems and protocols. The type and the dose of anticoagulant might affect the content of PRP.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of anticoagulant use, on cellular composition and the amount of growth factors in fresh PRP.
Methods:
Three different methods were used to prepare PRP from 12 healthy participants. The protocol 1 included standart dose sodium citrate (SC) (0.9 ml, 3.8%), protocol 2 included 0.5 ml SC and no anticoagulant was used in protocol 3. The PRP's were compared in regards to cellular content, capture efficiency of platelets (CE), concentrations and total doses of fresh studied vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived growth factor -BB, (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels.
Results:
The CE and total platelet count were highest in protocol 1. The white blood cells (WBC) and VEGF were highest in protocol 3. The highest total TGF-β1 and total PDGF levels were obtained with protocol 1, while the highest total VEGF levels were obtained with protocol 3.
Conclusion:
The results of this study revealed that the use and the dose of SC affects the cellular content of PRP and GFs measured in fresh PRP. The CE and platelet dose increases while the WBC and VEGF decreases with the use of SC.
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