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Scientists Create 3D Bioprinter Capable of Printing Living Human Skin (ibtimes.co.uk)

Posted by BeauHD on from the epic-dermis dept.

New submitter drunkdrone quotes a report from International Business Times: Spanish scientists say they have developed a prototype 3D printer that is capable of printing "functional" human skin that can be used for transplant patients, as well as an ethical alternative to animal testing. The so-called bioprinter uses special "ink" consisting of human cells and other biological components to reproduce the natural structure of the skin, including the external epidermis and the deeper dermis layer. These "bio inks" are deposited from special injectors onto a print bed to produce skin that is bioactive and capable of producing its own human collagen, the researchers claim. This means that the 3D-printed skin is, in essence, living tissue, making it suitable for treating burn patients and for testing cosmetic, chemical and pharmaceutical products. According to UC3M, the technology could be used to print other human tissues, although first it needs to be approved by regulators in order to ensure the skin it produces is fit for use on human patients.

7 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. It's been done before by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Does anyone remember the movie Darkman?

    1. Re:It's been done before by LemonFire · · Score: 2

      This is exactly what we need for our T-800 project.
      We'd also be interested in a phased plasma rifle in the 40-watt range.

      - Pain can be controlled - you just disconnect it

  2. Fleshlight XP by beckett · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I have a feeling David Cronenberg will be shifting from cult to mainstream in the future.

    Also, get ready for the next generation of fleshlights with feeding instructions.

  3. HP human ink series by ITRambo · · Score: 5, Funny

    If anyone thinks HP ink is expensive wait for the human cell ink pricing., gonna cost ya.

    1. Re:HP human ink series by RuffMasterD · · Score: 4, Funny

      Probably going to cost an arm and a leg.

      --
      Human Rights, Article 12: Freedom from Interference with Privacy, Family, Home and Correspondence
  4. Uncharacteristically cautious phrasing by sheramil · · Score: 5, Interesting
    "Spanish scientists say they have..." and not "Spanish scientists have"

    "The so-called bioprinter uses" ... so-called? What else would you call it?

    "... and capable of producing its own human collagen, the researchers claim."

    "According to UC3M, the technology could be used to..."

    This is a far cry from headlines that scream "SCIENTISTS ARE -", only to be followed by an article that says "Some scientists think that maybe one day soon -"

  5. How soon until we are able to print animal fur? by Diac · · Score: 2

    I wonder if they will be able to print not only skin cells but hair follicles as well to be able to print custom animal fur. A cost effective fur printer could take over the industry and replace the old methods.