3D printed skin breakthrough provides full layers and hair regrowth

Editor's Note

A research team from Penn State University is using 3D printing to produce a living system of multiple skin layers that could be used to print tissues during surgery and has the capacity to grow hair. The findings were published November 9 in the journal Bioactive Materials. 

The 3D-printed, full-thickness skin showed potential to grow hair in rats. Although scientists have used bioprinting to make skin before, the research team is reportedly the first to make multiple layers, including the bottom layer or hypodermis. Without the full layers of skin, and the ability to regrow hair, reconstructive surgery usually results in scarring or permanent hair loss. 

To achieve this breakthrough, the researchers used adipose tissue from surgery patients at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. They also used stem cells from the adipose tissue. These components were fed into the bioprinter along with a clotting solution to ensure binding on the desired site. They printed directly onto the injury site in animal models, achieving the hypodermis and dermis layers, and, within two weeks, the epidermis.

Researchers hope the new method may lead to the ability for surgeons to repair skin immediately with better outcomes for reconstructive surgery and hair regrowth.