Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Nanotitanium Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Wound Healing

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the NTi-PRF membrane, a newly developed biomaterial, on gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells by comparing it with L-PRF and T-PRF membranes. Materials and Methods: Gingival and blood samples were obtained from a systemically healthy male volunteer. Blood samples were centrifuged in a glass tube and a nano-titanium-coated tube at 2700 rpm for 12 minutes, and in a titanium tube at 2700 rpm for 20 minutes. The obtained PRF clots were compressed into membranes using a compressor and a metal lid inside a metal box. Viability, apoptosis, ELISA, and qRT-PCR experiments were performed on previously isolated and characterized gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells at days 1, 3, and 7 using the PRF membranes. The effects of 1- and 3-day PRF membrane releasates on wound healing were examined in vitro. The morphology of the PRF membranes on days 1, 3, and 7 was evaluated using SEM. Data obtained from the experiments were analyzed statistically. Results: In the viability analysis, the L-PRF group showed the highest mean viability value at days 1, 3, and 7, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The NTi-PRF group exhibited higher mean viability values than the T-PRF, negative, and positive control groups at days 1 and 7. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the NTi-PRF and T-PRF groups. Flow cytometry analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in the mean percentages of apoptosis and necrosis among the experimental groups (p > 0.05). However, on days 1 and 3, the percentages of apoptosis and necrosis were lower in the PRF membrane groups compared with the control groups. In the wound healing assay, the positive control and NTi-PRF membrane groups showed significantly smaller wound surface areas at 12 and 24 hours. Conclusion: The NTi-PRF membrane demonstrated no cytotoxic effects on gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells. PRF membranes exhibited anti-apoptotic effects on stem cells.