# The impact of storage protocols on the mechanical and structural properties of frozen platelet-rich fibrin membranes

## TL;DR

This study compares different storage methods for frozen platelet-rich fibrin membranes to improve their mechanical properties for use in surgery.

## Contribution

The study introduces a new frozen storage protocol (Fz-PRF7) that enhances the mechanical properties of PRF membranes.

## Key findings

- Fz-PRF7 showed significantly higher tensile strength compared to A-PRF and Fz-PRF1.
- Fz-PRF7 had a higher modulus of elasticity than A-PRF.
- No significant differences were found in BEAI and fibrin density across the groups.

## Abstract

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has shown promise in periodontal surgery and is found to promote bone regeneration. However, its limitations include low elasticity, short lifespan, and poor storage stability. This study aimed to overcome these limitations by developing frozen PRF and comparing the mechanical and structural properties of advanced-PRF (A-PRF) and two frozen PRF storage protocols.

This in vitro study used blood samples from 14 healthy volunteers to prepare A-PRF, which was stored at −20°C for 1 day (Fz-PRF1) or 7 days (Fz-PRF7). The study evaluated mechanical properties (tensile strength and elasticity) using a universal testing machine, and structural properties (Blood Elements Adhesion Index [BEAI] and fibrin density) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Results were analysed by Chi-square, independent t-tests, and Tukey post-hoc tests.

Comparing three PRF membranes, Fz-PRF7 showed significantly higher tensile strength than A-PRF and Fz-PRF1, and higher modulus of elasticity than A-PRF. However, SEM analysis revealed no significant differences in BEAI and fibrin density scores across groups.

Fz-PRF7 showed improved mechanical properties, specifically tensile strength and elasticity, compared to A-PRF, overcoming some limitations of conventional PRF.