Thirty Years of Autologous Platelet Concentrates: From Platelet-Rich Plasma to Platelet-Rich Fibrin

Over the past 30 years, autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) have evolved significantly, with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) emerging as a superior option due to its enhanced regenerative potential. PRF's development has focused on optimizing preparation techniques, such as low-speed and horizontal centrifugation, which improve platelet and leukocyte concentration and reduce cell damage. The introduction of injectable PRF (i-PRF) has expanded its clinical applications, showing improved outcomes in 72% of studies compared to PRP. PRF is used in various medical fields, including dentistry, sports medicine, and esthetic medicine, for procedures like gingival recession coverage and hair regeneration. Despite its promise, the document emphasizes the need for standardized protocols and further research to ensure reproducibility and reliability in PRF applications.