The skin can be produced two ways: from a stock of cells for industrial use in pharmaceutical, chemical and cosmetic testing or on an individual basis using a patient's own skin cells to treat severe burn wounds and other injuries, according to the researchers. First, the protective epidermis is formed, then the thicker and deeper epidermis, mimicking the natural structure of human skin. A computer controls the production, carefully depositing the components onto a print bed. "To be able to grow skin outside of the body and utilize it would be amazing," Francis says, "not only cosmetically, but emotionally."Īs part of the process, the scientists use bioinks-injectors mixed with biological components similar to cartridges and colored ink- to create the synthetic skin. In a recent paper, the scientists revealed a 3D bioprinter prototype that can produce functional human skin capable of being transplanted onto a burn survivor's wounds. Now, researchers in Spain may be one step closer. Doctors have left the door open for other surgeries, such as tissue expansion, but the thought of another procedure triggers traumatic memories from when the accident first occurred, Francis says.įor the last two decades, if not more, scientists around the world have explored ways to improve treatment so that it is less traumatic to a burn patient's physical and emotional health. In the summer, when she isn't wearing layers, people stare at her body. And despite being given morphine, Francis said she "felt everything" during hydrotherapy, turning a treatment meant to reduce swelling and soothe pain into an excruciating process.Īlong with the physical trauma of her burn, Francis also has to explain away the curiosities of the small children she works with as a school counselor. Doctors performed a major skin grafting procedure that left her with three long strips of scarring on both sides of her torso waking up from that procedure, she said, was the most pain she felt since actually being burned. Francis underwent three surgeries and hydrotherapy to treat the severe burns.
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