Scientists Hope 3D-Printed Skin Can Bring On-Demand Treatment for Serious Injuries
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Summary
A 3D-printed artificial dermis that could help the body’s natural healing process has been developed by researchers at Linkoping University in Sweden.
The scaffolding, printed using a 3D printer, features an intricate network of blood vessels, as well as fibroblasts, the most common cells in the dermis, and the collagen and hyaluronic acid they produce.
After being injected into the body, the scaffolding fuses with the wounded tissue.
The development is particularly useful in treating serious burns, which ordinarily leave scarring after traditional skin grafts.
Although the technology is some way from wider application, it underscores the potential of bioprinting in healthcare.
