Scientists Unveil Fully Functional Bioprinted Skin With Remarkable Healing Potential
For the first time, scientists have successfully bioprinted skin. According to researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, their fully functional bioprinted skin contains all six major cell types found in the human skin.
What is this bioprinted skin?
Their result is a multi-layered skin with thickness that includes all three layers present in normal human tissue - the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. "Bioprinting is a promising alternative method to generate skin substitutes because it can replicate the structural organization of the skin into biomimetic layers in vitro," the study's authors wrote.
Such bioprinted skin could have numerous uses in healing wounds and treating severe burns. "Comprehensive skin healing is a significant clinical challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, with limited options," said study's lead researcher Dr. Anthony Atala.
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"These results show that the creation of full-thickness, human bioengineered skin is possible, and promotes quicker healing and more naturally appearing outcomes," Atala added.
Bioprinted skin could not only improve the pace of healing among people, but could also help yield more natural outcomes for patients. Lab tests point of bioprinted skin samples show impressive results, with the skin able to form blood vessels and skin patterns. The artificial skin was able to function as normal human tissue would.
The scope of bioprinted skin
Fascinating, right? Scientists claim that this bioprinted skin could improve wound closure, reduce skin contraction, and increase collagen production - all collectively working to reduce scarring.
The skin was highlighted in a study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. Scientists highlighted that the printed skin grafts are considered unique owing to their triple-layer structure that can aid full-thickness coverage of wounds.
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Contemporary skin grafting options do not operate like this, and hence result in a scarred appearance. Grafting works by transplanting healthy skin to cover damaged areas. Often, such skin doesn't sit well and additional procedures may be required.
Such bioprinted skin could change the game. What do you think about its potential? Let us know in the comments below.?For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.
