Scientists Produce 'Bioprinted' Human Skin for Wound Healing
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com.
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter
THURSDAY, Oct. 5, 2023 -- People recovering from wounds or severe burns might one day be treated with fully functional “bioprinted” skin created in a lab, a new study suggests.
Researchers say they “printed” skin samples containing all six major human cell types found in skin.
The result was multi-layered, full-thickness skin containing all three layers present in normal human tissue: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis.
Test transplants performed in the lab found that the bioprinted skin formed blood vessels and skin patterns, essentially functioning and forming as normal human tissue.
Other tests demonstrated improved wound closure, reduced skin contraction, and more collagen production to reduce scarring, the researchers reported.
The report was published Oct. 4 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
“Comprehensive skin healing is a significant clinical challenge, affecting millions of individuals worldwide, with limited options,” said lead researcher Dr. Anthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in North Carolina.
“These results show that the creation of full-thickness, human bioengineered skin is possible, and promotes quicker healing and more naturally appearing outcomes,” Atala said in a Wake Forest news release.
Perfected skin regeneration could provide burn victims, wounded soldiers and those with skin disorders an opportunity for complete healing. The sort of grafts available today have only some of the elements of normal skin, which can lead to a scarred appearance. The creation of full-thickness skin has not been possible to date, the researchers said.
These “printed” skin grafts offer a triple-layer structure for full-thickness wound coverage, the study authors explained.
Sources
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, news release, Oct. 4, 2023
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted October 2023
Read this next
Tattoo Inks Can Be Contaminated With Bacteria: Study
TUESDAY, July 2, 2024 — Getting inked could make you sick. In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers detected bacteria in commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks...
Some Genes Might Send Girls Into Puberty Earlier
TUESDAY, July 2, 2024 -- A girl’s genetics can indirectly influence the age when she has her first period, by accelerating her weight gain in childhood, a new study...
Ultrasound May Be Unreliable in Spotting Endometrial Cancer in Black Women
TUESDAY, July 2, 2024 -- Ultrasound cannot reliably rule out endometrial cancer in Black women given how readings are now assessed, a new study argues. Transvaginal ultrasound is...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.
