Platelet Concentrates in Regenerative Medicine: A Comparative Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma, Platelet-Rich Fibrin, and Concentrated Growth Factors
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Platelet concentrates such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and concentrated growth factors (CGF) are the Autologous Biomaterials of interest in regenerative medicine for their high growth factor content and simplicity of preparation. These products, which are obtained from peripheral blood by differential centrifugation protocols, represent a low-cost, biocompatible solution to tissue repair and regeneration for an extensive variety of clinical specialties from orthopedics, dentistry, and dermatology. This review contrasts and compares PRP, PRF, and CGF based on preparation protocols, cellular and molecular contents, growth factor release kinetics, and clinical applications. PRP, the first-generation concentrate, contains high platelet density but requires the addition of exogenous anticoagulants. PRF is a second-generation product with a fibrin matrix to provide slow growth factor release without additives. CGF, the newest development, uses variable centrifugation speeds to produce a denser fibrin matrix with a potentially higher regenerative potential. Current evidence suggests that the variations in preparation influence not just the biological activity, but also the clinical efficacy of each concentrate. While the most common, PRP is being progressively supplanted by PRF and CGF due to the fact that they are simple to use and additive-free. Nevertheless, standardization guidelines and comparative clinical studies are lacking, and therefore the optimization of treatment results is also challenging. In general, PRP, PRF, and CGF all possess distinct strengths in regenerative medicine. Additional understanding of their biologic profiles and handling during clinical practice is needed to individualize them in patient-tailored therapy and also to develop evidence-based guidelines for future application. HIGHLIGHTS This review provides a structured comparative analysis of platelet-rich plasma, platelet-rich fibrin, and concentrated growth factors in regenerative medicine. Distinct differences in fibrin architecture and growth factor release kinetics underpin the biological and clinical behavior of platelet concentrates. Clinical evidence is strongest for platelet-rich plasma, while evidence for platelet-rich fibrin and concentrated growth factors remains limited and indication-specific. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Source: Trends in Sciences
Authors: Nguyen Cao Nguyen, Phat Duc Huynh
Language: English
Subfield: Urology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7139985441