Study of antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin and platelet-rich fibrin matrix

J Conserv Dent. 2019 Sep-Oct;22(5):415-419. doi: 10.4103/JCD.JCD_100_19. Epub 2020 Aug 4.

Abstract

Background: Platelet concentrates are extensively utilized in the medical and dental field to promote tissue regeneration. The profusion of endogenous growth factors in platelets α-granules transmit their use for enhanced wound healing. However, little attention has been given to study their antimicrobial potential. This study was conducted to assess the antibacterial and antifungal property of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and PRF matrix (PRFM).

Materials and methodology: Blood samples were obtained from 16 participants, PRF and PRFM were processed as per the protocol prescribed by Choukroun et al. and Lucarelli et al., respectively. The susceptibility test against microbiota in the root canal and Candida albicans was assessed through minimum inhibition zone by agar diffusion technique.

Results: PRF showed an effective antibacterial property, however, did not perform well against C. albicans strains. PRFM did not show any antibacterial or antifungal properties.

Conclusions: The antibacterial efficacy of PRF may prove beneficial when used in the revascularization procedure of immature necrotic teeth.

Keywords: Antimicrobial property; oral Candida albicans; platelet rich fibrin; platelet rich fibrin matrix; root canal flora.