Methods: Three commercially available GTR membranes were tested: Gore-Tex® ePTFE Membrane (GTN1), Inion GTRTM Biodegradable System (INION), Gore-REsolute XT Regenerative membrane (GTRX). Small pieces of membrane were prepared as specified by the manufacturers and pre-wetted with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) before exposure to PRP for two hours. These membranes were then seeded with either HPDL or HG cells and incubated in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles culture medium for twenty-four hours. Post incubation samples were fixed and processed for examination using SEM microscopy.
Results: Under SEM microscopy, PRP-treated membranes showed greater cell attachment compared to non-treated membranes for both populations of fibroblasts. Two major morphological features were seen for both the HPDL and HG fibroblasts on the PRP treated membranes. The cells showed a distinct increase in cytoplasmic extensions and they also appeared more intertwined and wrapped around individual fibres of the GTR membranes compared to untreated control membranes.
Conclusion: HPDL and HG fibroblast have a distinct reaction with different GTR membranes depending on both microstructure and composition of the membrane. It is clear that the PRP significantly alters the way HPDL and HG fibroblasts attach to certain GTR membranes by both increasing the amount and the quality of attachment. However, how this increase is attachment is achieved and how well these in vitro results are translated into in vivo and actual clinical benefits still needs further investigation.
This study was kindly supported by the ADRF, University of Adelaide Faculty of Health Sciences Student Vacation Scholarships. Membranes were kindly supplied by WL Gore and Inion Pty Ltd.