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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Characterization of Leukocyte-platelet Rich Fibrin, A Novel Biomaterial
Published on: September 29, 2015
Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Platelet-Rich Plasma as Delivery Systems for Natural Compounds: A Systematic Review
Bartosz Chwaliszewski1,2, Wojciech Niemczyk2,3, Małgorzata Kępa4
1Medical Center of Innovation, Faculty of Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wroclaw, Poland.
Background/Objectives:
Natural compounds have gained increasing attention in regenerative dentistry and medicine because of their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pro-healing properties. However, their clinical translation is often limited by poor stability, low bioavailability, and insufficient local retention. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) may help overcome these limitations by functioning as autologous scaffolds or local delivery systems. This systematic review evaluated the available evidence on the use of PRP and PRF as carriers, scaffolds, or delivery matrices for natural compounds in regenerative medicine and tissue healing.
Methods:
A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase from database inception to 1 April 2026, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines.
Results:
The search identified 113 records, of which 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six studies investigated PRP-based systems and five investigated PRF-based systems. Eleven studies were included: three in vitro or ex vivo biomaterial studies, three studies combining in vitro and animal experiments, three animal studies, and two clinical studies. The natural compounds evaluated included icariin, curcumin, tannic acid, propolis, tea polyphenols, gallic acid, oligomeric procyanidins, and Moringa oleifera. The strongest direct carrier evidence was observed for freeze-dried PRP loaded with icariin, which demonstrated sustained release and improved regenerative outcomes. Most PRF-based studies focused on scaffold modification or adjunctive use rather than strict carrier function. Overall, the included studies suggested favorable effects on scaffold properties, local delivery behavior, wound healing, and tissue regeneration, but the evidence was dominated by preclinical studies and showed a moderate-to-high risk of bias.
Conclusions:
PRP and PRF appear to be promising autologous platforms for the local delivery of natural compounds. However, the current evidence remains limited, heterogeneous, and largely preclinical, and well-designed clinical studies are needed before routine clinical application can be recommended.
