3D skin bioprinting is taking another step toward practical use. Researchers in several countries are developing a method that could help people with severe burns heal with less scarring.
Every year, about 11 million people worldwide need hospital treatment after burns. Modern medicine can save lives even in cases of severe skin damage, but deep scars can limit mobility, disrupt tissue growth in children, reduce skin sensitivity and its ability to maintain normal body temperature. That is why scientists are trying not only to close the wound, but also to help the body restore full skin.
In Sweden, researchers developed bioinks based on fibroblasts and hyaluronic acid, informally called "skin in a syringe." In experiments on mice, the cells survived printing and began to form healthy tissue. In Australia, the robotic bioprinter LIGŌ became the first such device tested in humans. The early results confirmed the method’s safety and showed less pain compared with traditional dressings.
American specialists from the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine created a three-layer skin substitute from several cell types. In experiments, it accelerated healing and helped blood vessels regenerate and tissue form that was closer in structure to normal skin. Tests on pigs also showed significantly less scarring.
It is not yet possible to fully reproduce all the functions of human skin. However, several technologies are already being tested successfully in animals, and some have already confirmed safety in humans. This shows that regenerative medicine is gradually moving from laboratory research to real clinical treatments.
