Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes accelerate open wound healing better than amniotic membranes: A histological study on the proliferation phase

Background Biological membranes are widely used as dressings to prevent contamination during the open wound healing process. The amniotic membrane has been clinically demonstrated to be an accelerator of wound healing. However, this membrane is fragile and technically sensitive. The platelet-rich fibrin membrane has good physical properties and contains growth factors. However, few controlled studies have compared the effects of these membranes on wound healing, specifically during the proliferation phase. The proliferation phase is an important stage in the development of more effective therapeutic interventions. This study investigated the differences in the wound healing process during the proliferation phase after applying platelet-rich fibrin and amniotic membranes. This quasi-experimental study used 36 rabbits that were divided into three groups. A 4 mm x 4 mm section of the labial gingiva was de-epithelized using a scalpel. Gingival biopsies were taken on days one, three, five, and seven and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Mallorys trichrome stain. Observations were done in a double-blind manner. The number of fibroblasts and blood vessels, as well as epithelial thickness were tested using two-way analysis of variance followed by a post-hoc LSD test. Collagen density was tested with the Kruskal Wallis test followed by the Mann Whitney test using SPSS software. Results The number of fibroblasts, angiogenesis, collagen density, and epithelial thickness were higher in group II than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions Histological parameters measured during the proliferation phase showed that the platelet-rich fibrin membrane may accelerate wound healing better than the amniotic membrane.