Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin (A-PRF) as Antibiotics Delivery System: In-Vitro Proof-of-Concept Study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Autologous platelet concentrates, like Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin (A-PRF), are utilized in regenerative therapies for their growth factor and cell content.
• A-PRF, a low-speed centrifugation product, offers higher growth factor and cell concentrations and a looser fibrin structure than Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential of A-PRF as a local delivery system for antibiotics amoxicillin (AMX) and metronidazole (MTZ).
• To assess the sustained release profile and antimicrobial efficacy of antibiotics incorporated into A-PRF clots.

Main Methods:

• Antibiotics (AMX and MTZ) at various concentrations were tested for A-PRF clot formation, with 0.5 mg/mL selected.
• Antibiotic-enriched A-PRF clots were incubated in PBS and analyzed for antibiotic release at 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, and 14 days.
• Microbiological analysis determined bacterial growth inhibition zones for *Fusobacterium nucleatum* and *Prevotella intermedia*.

Main Results:

• Amoxicillin (AMX) demonstrated consistent release over 14 days (mean 19.9 ± 4.8 ng/mL at 24 h), with no significant inter-patient variation.
• Metronidazole (MTZ) showed more variable release (mean 12.8 ± 4.5 ng/mL at 24 h) and a progressive decrease over time.
• Significant bacterial growth inhibition zones were observed: AMX (23 mm for *F. nucleatum*, 34 mm for *P. intermedia*) and MTZ (28 mm for *F. nucleatum*, 30 mm for *P. intermedia*) at 24 hours.

Conclusions:

• A-PRF serves as an effective local antibiotic delivery system, providing sustained release and antimicrobial activity.
• This approach may reduce the necessity for systemic antibiotic administration in certain therapeutic contexts.
• Further research can explore optimizing A-PRF formulations for targeted antibiotic delivery in regenerative medicine.