Typically, 3D printers are used to print mechanical parts and figurines, but they can also be useful in medicine. In 2014, a prototype device was created to print large sheets of human skin that could be cut and used to reconstruct the flesh of patients with serious wounds. Over the years, this technology has made great strides forward - researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have created a device that can apply new skin directly to affected areas of the body.
It is reported to be compact enough to be moved between hospital wards. It can be easily placed next to the bed so that any patient can lie quietly while the printer does its job. It is equipped with special attachments that apply "biological ink" to the wounded flesh.
As a printed base material, created on samples of healthy human skin is used. In particular, surgeons use two types of cells: fibroblasts, which build the structure for wound healing, and keratinocytes - the main cells that we see on the outside of the skin. Thanks to the use of native cells of patients, the new material is not rejected by their organisms. A 3D printer compatible mixture is formed by mixing the cells with the hydrogel.
Unlike medical printers of previous years, before starting work, the novelty studies the structure of the wound and reveals its deep parts. First of all, it fills these depressions with fibroblasts, and only then covers the wound with keratinocytes. This approach significantly speeds up the healing process - experience in mice has proven that recovery starts from the center of the wound, and this is an excellent result.
The researchers intend to conduct clinical trials in humans. They believe that the printer can be widely used to treat people with severe burns and other severe wounds that cannot heal on their own.
Ramis Ganiev