Researchers at Wake Forest University have invented a “bioprinter” that can apply skin cells to injured areas of skin, such as burns or ulcers. The system, which has been tested successfully on mice, uses a laser to first map the wounded area. Next, the printer applies cells directly onto the wound, which speeds healing:
(Kyle) Binder and colleagues dissolved human skin cells from pieces of skin, separating and purifying the various cell types such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
They put them in a nutritious solution to make them multiply and then used a system similar to a multicolor office inkjet printer to apply first a layer of fibroblasts and then a layer of keratinocytes, which form the protective outer layer of skin.
The wound on the mouse was completely closed by three weeks, they reported. Experts say victims of massive burns usually die of infection within two weeks unless they receive skin grafts, and normal grafting often leaves severe scars.
The sprayed cells also incorporated themselves into surrounding skin, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, probably because immature cells called stem cells were mixed in with the sprayed cells, the researchers said.
The device has been mounted on a frame that can be used on patients confined to hospital beds, but has not yet been used on humans.