Lab-Grown Artificial Skin Could Save Lives

Wednesday - October 18 2023, 16:39 UTC - 1 year ago

Scientists have developed a three-layered artificial skin that mimics human skin with the ability to heal large wounds when transplanted into mice and pigs. The team used six different human skin cell types as "ink" to print out three-layered artificial skin. The skin grafts rapidly tapped into blood vessels from surrounding skin, integrating into the host and helping shape collagen into a structure similar to natural skin.

Our skin is a natural wonder of bioengineering. The largest organ in the body, it’s a waterproof defense system that protects against infections. It’s packed with sweat glands that keep us cool in soaring temperatures. It can take a serious beating—sunburns, scratches and scrapes, cooking oil splatters, and other accidents in daily life—but rapidly regenerates. Sure, there may be lasting scars, but signs of lesser damage eventually fade away. Given these perks, it’s no wonder scientists have tried recreating skin in the lab. Artificial skin could, for example, cover robots or prosthetics to give them the ability to "feel" temperature, touch, or even heal when damaged. It could also be a lifesaver. The skin’s self-healing powers have limits. People who suffer from severe burns often need a skin transplant taken from another body part. While effective, the procedure is painful and increases the chances of infection. In some cases, there might not be enough undamaged skin left. A similar dilemma haunts soldiers wounded in battle or those with inherited skin disorders.

Recreating all the skin’s superpowers is tough, to say the least. But last week, a team from Wake Forest University took a large step towards artificial skin that heals large wounds when transplanted into mice and pigs. The team used six different human skin cell types as "ink" to print out three-layered artificial skin. Unlike previous iterations, this artificial skin closely mimics the structure of human skin. In proof-of-concept studies, the team transplanted the skin into mice and pigs with skin injuries. The skin grafts rapidly tapped into blood vessels from surrounding skin, integrating into the host. They also helped shape collagen—a protein essential for healing wounds and reducing scarring—into a structure similar to natural skin. "These results show that the creation of full thickness human bioengineered skin is possible, and promotes quicker healing and more naturally appearing outcomes," said study author Dr. Anthony Atala.

Wait…What’s Full Thickness Skin? We often picture the skin as a fitted sheet that wraps around the body. But under the microscope, it’s an intricate masterpiece of bio-architecture. Or I like to think of it as a three-layered cake. Each layer has different cell types tailored to their distinctive functions. The top layer is the guardian. A direct link to the outside world, it has cell types that can endure UV light, arid weather, and harmful bacteria. It also houses cells that produce pigmentation. These cells continuously shed when damaged and are replaced to keep the barrier strong. The middle layer is the bridge. Here, blood vessels and nerve fibers connect the skin to the rest of the body. This layer is packed with cells that produce body hair, sweat, and lubricating oils—the bane of anyone prone to acne. As the widest layer, it’s held tightly together by collagen, which gives the skin its flexibility and strength. Finally, the deepest skin layer is the "puffy coat." Made primarily of collagen and fat cells, this layer is a shock absorber that protects the skin from injuries and helps maintain body heat. It also handles long-term damage like wrinkles and age spots.