Attachment of Periodontal Fibroblasts to Barrier Membranes Coated With Platelet-Rich Plasma

Background: This study evaluated the attachment of human periodontal ligament (HPDL) and human gingival (HG) fibroblasts onto commercially available barrier membranes coated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Methods: Gore-Tex Regenerative Membrane (GTN1), Inion GTR Biodegradable system (INION), and Gore-Resolut XT Regenerative membrane (GTRX) were studied. The membranes were pre-wetted with phosphate buffered saline before exposure to PRP for two hours. HPDL or gingival fibroblasts were then seeded onto the membranes and incubated in culture medium for 24 hours. The samples were then fixed and processed for light and scanning electron microscopy evaluation evaluation.

Results: PRP-coated membranes showed greater cell attachment compared to non-coated membranes. The INION membrane showed the greatest attachment followed by the GTN1 and GTRX membranes. The cells showed increased cytoplasmic extensions and appeared more intertwined around individual fibres of the membranes compared to uncoated control membranes.

Conclusion: HPDL and HG fibroblasts have a distinct reaction with different membranes depending on both microstructure and composition of the membrane. Coating membranes with PRP had a significant impact on the way HPDL and HG fibroblasts attach to certain barrier membranes by increasing both the amount and the quality of attachment.