Mechanical and structural properties of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin membranes: An in vitro study on the impact of anticoagulant therapy.

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND Little is known about structural and mechanical properties of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) membranes and even less about the influence of antithrombotic drugs on L-PRF. The aim of this in vitro study is therefore to investigate mechanical properties, fibrin structure and cell content of L-PRF membranes and the impact of anticoagulant therapy on L-PRF. METHODS Blood samples were obtained from 12 volunteers and supplemented with either no, 1.25 IU, 2.5 IU, 5 IU, or 10 IU enoxaparin. L-PRF membranes were characterized with tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy, and measurement of platelets and leukocytes. Control and enoxaparin-supplemented L-PRF membranes were compared. RESULTS At 10 IU enoxaparin, no L-PRF membranes could be generated, whereas the low doses of 1.25 and 2.5 IU had no influence on L-PRF properties. The mechanical properties, fibrin networks, and number of platelets and leukocytes of 5 IU supplemented membranes were unlike the control membranes, but were not found to be significantly different because of limited sampling and inter- and intra-variability. CONCLUSION Low doses of the anticoagulant enoxaparin do not affect mechanical properties, fibrin network, nor cellular content of L-PRF, whereas high doses impair L-PRF generation.