Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 4 complete abstracts (900 words), 10 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A fibrin matrix derived from platelet-rich plasma that contains high concentration of blood platelets; leukocytes; cytokines; and growth factors. It is used in a variety of clinical and tissue engineering applications.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Fibrin, Platelet-Rich; Platelet Rich Fibrin; Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin; Leukocyte and Platelet Rich Fibrin; L-PRF.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Platelet-Rich Plasma
- See also
- Fibrin Tissue Adhesive
Related concepts
- Blood Platelets
- Leukocytes
- Cytokines
- Growth Factors
- Tissue Engineering
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 1,617 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Platelet-Rich Fibrin” (counts retrieved 2026-10-31). 1,254 of them (77.6%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is 2020 onward with 1,254 records.
Reviews account for 225 records (13.9%) and meta-analyses for 88. Randomized controlled trials number 374 (23.1%) as a share of all records on the topic. Randomized trials make up a comparatively large share of this literature, which means many treatment questions have been tested directly.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 0 |
| 2000-2009 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 396 |
| 2020 onward | 1,254 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 225 | 13.9% |
| Meta-analyses | 88 | 5.4% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 374 | 23.1% |
Method: PubMed query "Platelet-Rich Fibrin"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-10-31.
Reading the evidence in anatomy and physiology
Anatomy describes how body structures are built and physiology describes how they normally work, so most findings here are descriptive or mechanistic rather than evidence about treatment. Much of what is known comes from dissection, imaging, tissue studies and experiments in animals, and measurements in healthy volunteers can differ from those in people with disease or at different ages. Normal ranges vary between individuals and populations. Check whether a result was measured in people or in another species, the age and health of the participants, and the method used.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effect of platelet-rich fibrin on cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, inflammation, and osteoclastogenesis: a systematic review of in vitro studies | 2020 | Systematic review Design not recorded in structured metadata | 105 | cc by PMID 31879804 · DOI · PMC6988133 |
| Platelet-rich fibrin elicits an anti-inflammatory response in macrophages in vitro | 2020 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 98 | cc by PMID 31376159 · DOI · PMC7065136 |
| Antibacterial effects of platelet-rich fibrin produced by horizontal centrifugation | 2020 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 76 | cc by PMID 33243983 · DOI · PMC7693325 |
| Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Temporomandibular Disorders Management: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis | 2026 | Meta-analysis Design not recorded in structured metadata | 2 | cc by PMID 40914979 · DOI · PMC13077014 |
Effect of platelet-rich fibrin on cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, inflammation, and osteoclastogenesis: a systematic review of in vitro studies [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveTo systematically assess the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on in vitro cellular behavior.
- Closing excerpt
- The overall findings suggest that PRF induces cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and differentiation along with possessing anti-inflammatory properties further supporting its therapeutic potential in wound healing and bone regeneration.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (259 words)
ObjectiveTo systematically assess the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on in vitro cellular behavior.MethodsA systematic electronic search using MEDLINE database was performed. In vitro studies using PRF were considered and articles published up to June 31, 2018 were screened. Eligible studies were selected based on the use of human PRF.ResultsIn total, 1746 titles were identified with the search terms, from these 37 met the inclusion criteria and were chosen for data extraction. In addition, 16 new studies, mainly published in 2019, were also included in the analysis resulting in 53 studies. No meta-analysis could be performed due to the heterogeneity of study designs. Included studies show that PRF enhances proliferation, migration, adhesion, and osteogenic differentiation on a variety of cell types along with cell signaling activation. Furthermore, PRF reduces inflammation, suppresses osteoclastogenesis, and increases the expression of various growth factors in mesenchymal cells. Despite some notable differences of the studies, the overall findings suggest a positive effect of PRF on cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, differentiation, and inflammation pointing towards a therapeutic potential in regenerative dentistry.Clinical relevancePRF serves as a reservoir of bioactive molecules to support wound healing and bone regeneration. Although the cellular mechanisms by which PRF supports the clinical outcomes remain unclear, in vitro research provides possible explanations. This systematic review aims to provide an update of the existing research on how PRF affects basic physiological processes in vitro. The overall findings suggest that PRF induces cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and differentiation along with possessing anti-inflammatory properties further supporting its therapeutic potential in wound healing and bone regeneration.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31879804 · DOI · PMC6988133
Platelet-rich fibrin elicits an anti-inflammatory response in macrophages in vitro [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundPlatelet-rich fibrin (PRF) serves as a reservoir of bioactive molecules to support wound healing and bone regeneration.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionOur results indicate that PRF holds an anti-inflammatory activity and shifts the macrophage polarization from an M1 toward an M2 phenotype.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (239 words)
BackgroundPlatelet-rich fibrin (PRF) serves as a reservoir of bioactive molecules to support wound healing and bone regeneration. The beneficial action of PRF might involve macrophage polarization from proinflammatory M1 toward pro-resolving M2 phenotypes. This study aims to evaluate the effect of PRF on macrophage polarization.MethodsMurine primary macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells were exposed to saliva and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with and without PRF lysates obtained by repeated freeze-thawing or the secretome of PRF membranes, termed PRF conditioned medium. The expression of the M1 marker genes interleukin 1β (IL1β) and interleukin 6 (IL6) along with the M2 markers arginase-1 and chitinase-like 3 (Chil3 or YM1) were evaluated by real time polymerase chain reaction. Immunoassay and immunofluorescence staining were performed for IL6 and p65 translocation, a subunit nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), respectively.ResultsWe report here that PRF lysates and PRF conditioned medium, the latter containing the secretome, greatly decreased the proinflammatory response of primary macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells as indicated by the expression of IL1β and IL6. The anti-inflammatory activity of PRF lysates was further confirmed by IL6 immunoassay. Moreover, PRF lysates suppressed the translocation of p65 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus after incubation with saliva. In support of M2 polarization, PRF lysates and PRF conditioned medium enhanced the expression of arginase-1 and YM1 in primary macrophages.ConclusionOur results indicate that PRF holds an anti-inflammatory activity and shifts the macrophage polarization from an M1 toward an M2 phenotype.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 31376159 · DOI · PMC7065136
Antibacterial effects of platelet-rich fibrin produced by horizontal centrifugation [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been widely used owing to its ability to stimulate tissue regeneration.
- Closing excerpt
- In conclusion, H-PRF exhibited better antibacterial activity than L-PRF, which might have been attributed to having more immune cells.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (220 words)
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been widely used owing to its ability to stimulate tissue regeneration. To date, few studies have described the antibacterial properties of PRF. Previously, PRF prepared by horizontal centrifugation (H-PRF) was shown to contain more immune cells than leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effects of PRFs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in vitro and to determine whether the antibacterial effects correlated with the number of immune cells. Blood samples were obtained from eight healthy donors to prepare L-PRF and H-PRF. The sizes and weights of L-PRF and H-PRF were first evaluated, and their antibacterial effects against S. aureus and E. coli were then tested in vitro using the inhibition ring and plate-counting test methods. Flow-cytometric analysis of the cell components of L-PRF and H-PRF was also performed. No significant differences in size or weight were observed between the L-PRF and H-PRF groups. The H-PRF group contained more leukocytes than the L-PRF group. While both PRFs had notable antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, H-PRF demonstrated a significantly better antibacterial effect than L-PRF. Furthermore, the antimicrobial ability of the PRF solid was less efficient than that of wet PRF. In conclusion, H-PRF exhibited better antibacterial activity than L-PRF, which might have been attributed to having more immune cells.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 33243983 · DOI · PMC7693325
Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Temporomandibular Disorders Management: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis [4]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- ObjectiveThis study systematically reviewed the effect of intra-articular injection (IAI) of platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), alone or combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, in managing painful articular temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and improving maximum mouth opening (MMO).
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionUsing i-PRF alone or combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy is effective in pain reduction and MMO increase.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (182 words)
ObjectiveThis study systematically reviewed the effect of intra-articular injection (IAI) of platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), alone or combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy, in managing painful articular temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and improving maximum mouth opening (MMO).Materials and methodsA systematic literature search was conducted in five databases, identifying randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials focusing on minimally invasive TMJ interventions using i-PRF. Meta-analyses were performed with a random-effects model for studies reporting similar outcomes, visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, and MMO values.ResultsOut of 332 studies identified, 13 met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Within-group comparisons revealed significant pain reduction at 3-6 and 8-12 months for i-PRF alone or combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy. MMO values significantly increased using i-PRF alone at 8-12 months, combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy at 3-6 and 8-12 months, with no significant increase using i-PRF alone at 3-6 months. Between-group analyses demonstrated that i-PRF combined with arthrocentesis significantly reduced VAS scores and increased MMO values compared to arthrocentesis alone at 3-6 and 8-12 months.ConclusionUsing i-PRF alone or combined with arthrocentesis or arthroscopy is effective in pain reduction and MMO increase.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 40914979 · DOI · PMC13077014
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article Use of platelet-rich fibrin in regenerative dentistry: a systematic review [5]
- Research article Regenerative potential of leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin. Part A: intra-bony defects, furcation defects and periodontal plastic surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis [6]
- Research article The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials [7]
- Research article Regenerative potential of leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin. Part B: sinus floor elevation, alveolar ridge preservation and implant therapy. A systematic review [8]
- Research article Use of platelet-rich fibrin for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
- Research article Fifteen Years of Platelet Rich Fibrin in Dentistry and Oromaxillofacial Surgery: How High is the Level of Scientific Evidence? [10]
References
- Strauss FJ, Nasirzade J, Kargarpoor Z, Stähli A, Gruber R. Effect of platelet-rich fibrin on cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, inflammation, and osteoclastogenesis: a systematic review of in vitro studies. . 2020. PMID 31879804 · DOI · PMC6988133
- Nasirzade J, Kargarpour Z, Hasannia S, Strauss FJ, Gruber R. Platelet-rich fibrin elicits an anti-inflammatory response in macrophages in vitro. . 2020. PMID 31376159 · DOI · PMC7065136
- Feng M, Wang Y, Zhang P, Zhao Q, Yu S, Shen K, et al.. Antibacterial effects of platelet-rich fibrin produced by horizontal centrifugation. . 2020. PMID 33243983 · DOI · PMC7693325
- de Araújo JSG, de Oliveira da Rosa WL, Meirelles LAD, Dos Santos MG, Boscato N. Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Fibrin for Temporomandibular Disorders Management: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis. . 2026. PMID 40914979 · DOI · PMC13077014
- Miron RJ, Zucchelli G, Pikos MA, Salama M, Lee S, Guillemette V, et al.. Use of platelet-rich fibrin in regenerative dentistry: a systematic review. Clin Oral Investig. 2017. PMID 28551729 · DOI
- Castro AB, Meschi N, Temmerman A, Pinto N, Lambrechts P, Teughels W, et al.. Regenerative potential of leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin. Part A: intra-bony defects, furcation defects and periodontal plastic surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Periodontol. 2017. PMID 27783851 · DOI · PMC5248642
- Hurley ET, Lim Fat D, Moran CJ, Mullett H. The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2019. PMID 29466688 · DOI
- Castro AB, Meschi N, Temmerman A, Pinto N, Lambrechts P, Teughels W, et al.. Regenerative potential of leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin. Part B: sinus floor elevation, alveolar ridge preservation and implant therapy. A systematic review. J Clin Periodontol. 2017. PMID 27891638 · DOI · PMC5347939
- Miron RJ, Moraschini V, Fujioka-Kobayashi M, Zhang Y, Kawase T, Cosgarea R, et al.. Use of platelet-rich fibrin for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig. 2021. PMID 33609186 · DOI · PMC8060184
- Ghanaati S, Herrera-Vizcaino C, Al-Maawi S, Lorenz J, Miron RJ, Nelson K, et al.. Fifteen Years of Platelet Rich Fibrin in Dentistry and Oromaxillofacial Surgery: How High is the Level of Scientific Evidence?. J Oral Implantol. 2018. PMID 29870308 · DOI
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-10-31; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-10-31.
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Evidence strength
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