Nano-titanium coating on glass surface to improve platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) quality

The quality of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is contingent on the surface characteristics interfacing with blood. Titanium’s superior platelet activation, surpassing silica, has made Titanium-platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) a favored autogenous bone graft material due to its extended degradation time. Pioneering a novel approach, this study aims to achieve an enhanced fibrin structure using glass tubes coated with nano-titanium, marking the surface’s debut in our PRF production endeavors. Employing a rapid thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) process under high vacuum, we conducted comprehensive analyses of the tubes. Comprehensive analyses, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), were conducted on the nano-titanium-coated glass tubes. Three PRF types were formulated: silica-activated leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF, control group), machined-surface titanium tubes (T-PRF), and nano-titanium-coated tubes (nanoT-PRF). Analyses unveiled denser fibrin areas in nanoT-PRF than T-PRF, with the least dense areas in L-PRF. Cell distribution paralled between nanoT-PRF and T-PRF groups, while L-PRF cells were embedded in the fibrin border. NanoT-PRF exhibited the densest autogenous fibrin structure, suggesting prolonged in vivo resorption. Additionally, we explore the potential practicality of single-use production for nanoT-PRF tubes, introducing a promising clinical advancement. This study marks a significant stride in innovative biomaterial design, contributing to the progress of regenerative medicine.

Graphical Abstract