Modified platelet-rich fibrin as a targeted antibiotic delivery system in periodontal therapy: An in vitro study

Platelets are discoidal and anuclear structures which are formed in bone marrow from megakaryocytes. They play a major role in the release of growth factors at the site of injury to initiate wound healing. Platelet rich fibrin which belongs to second generation of platelet concentrates has an important role in hard and soft tissue regeneration.

This research aims to determine advanced PRF (A-PRF) as a medium for prolonged release of antibiotics locally and its effects on Porphyromonas gingivalis.

This in vitro study consisted of four groups, where for each group 10 ml of blood was collected from healthy volunteers after obtaining informed consent. Before centrifugation, to each of the tubes, one among the three antibiotics, such as 0.5 ml amoxicillin, 0.5 ml of metronidazole, and 0.5 ml of azithromycin was added. The fourth tube had 0.5 ml of saline solution, which served as the control. Tubes were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 14 min at room temperature. A-PRF membrane containing different antibiotics and control was placed on the blood agar plates containing four wells. These plates were then transferred to the anaerobic chamber at 37°C for 7 days. Antimicrobial activity of the A-PRF was assessed at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h.

This study compared the antibacterial action of A-PRF against P. gingivalis at the 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h. A-PRF with amoxicillin at 24 h showed less anti-P. gingivalis activity, whereas maximum activity was noted at 72 h and 96 h.

Results showed that among antibiotic solutions with A-PRF, metronidazole had more antimicrobial efficacy compared to amoxicillin and azithromycin against P. gingivalis.