Mobile bioprinter prints skin cells directly on to wounds

Described in Scientific Reports, the device was developed by scientists at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) in North Carolina. It uses skin cells - dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes - from the patient's own body mixed with a hydrogel to create the printable biomaterial. Fibroblasts are cells that synthesise the extracellular matrix and collagen that play a critical role in wound healing, while keratinocytes are the predominant cells found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin.

The bioprinter uses integrated imaging technology to scan the wound, then feeds this data into the software to tell the print heads which cells to deliver exactly where in the wound layer by layer. While bioprinters for wound treatment have previously been developed, the researchers claim this is the first that can be wheeled to the patient’s bedside.

"The unique aspect of this technology is the mobility of the system and the ability to provide on-site management of extensive wounds by scanning and measuring them in order to deposit the cells directly where they are needed to create skin," said lead author Sean Murphy, a WFIRM assistant professor.