Skin regeneration research has been going on for a long time. The available grafting materials are often temporary or, if they are permanent, have only some elements of normal skin, which leads to scarring. The creation of full-thickness skin grafts has not been possible until now. Scientists at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have moved forward and developed bioprinted skin that accelerates wound healing, supports healthy extracellular matrix reconstruction, and increases the chances of full recovery.
This study involved bioprinting all six major types of primary human cells present in the skin, combined with a specialized hydrogel as a bioink. A full-thickness multilayer skin was created that contained all three layers present in normal human tissue: epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
As a result of the transplantation of bioprinted material, blood vessels, characteristic skin patterns, and normal tissue structure were formed on the animals. Additional aspects of the study showed that this approach improves wound healing, reduces skin shrinkage and increases collagen production, which reduces scarring.
The team proved that fully functional skin regeneration is possible. Bioengineered skin grafts have a three-layer structure that provides full-thickness coverage of the wound.
The technology could help burn victims, the wounded, and people with skin diseases.
