15.04.2024

A breakthrough in reconstructive surgery may be on the horizon, as researchers develop a 3D-printed skin that integrates hair follicle precursors, leveraging adipose tissue for more natural results.

An international team of researchers has unveiled a significant development in bioengineering: a method for 3D-printing skin capable of closing wounds and potentially growing hair, using human fat tissue. This could signal a new era for reconstructive surgery, offering more natural outcomes and even advancing hair regrowth treatments.

Image: A researcher in a lab is carefully operating a 3D bioprinting machine that is used for creating bioengineered tissues; Copyright: Michelle Bixby/Penn State

Miji Yeo, a postdoctoral researcher at Penn State, checks the bioink cartridges on a 3D printer developed to intraoperatively print layers of skin.

Products and exhibitors related to this topic

Exhibitors and products related to this topic can be found in the database of MEDICA:

Advancements in bioengineered skin

The study details how researchers corrected injuries in rats using layers of living skin printed from human tissue. The United States Patent and Trademark Office granted the team a patent for this innovative bioprinting technology, which could greatly impact facial reconstructive procedures and hair restoration therapies.

Potential for reconstructive surgery

“Reconstructive surgery to correct trauma to the face or head from injury or disease is usually imperfect, resulting in scarring or permanent hair loss,” stated Dr. Ibrahim T. Ozbolat from Penn State, who led the research collaboration. The team's ability to bioprint full-thickness skin with the potential for hair growth is a significant step toward improved reconstruction techniques for the human head and face.

Bioink components from fat tissue

The researchers started with adipose tissue from Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center patients, using it to extract stem cells and the extracellular matrix. These components formed a bioink that was layered onto injury sites with the aim of forming a hypodermis — the bottom-most skin layer – crucial for wound healing and hair growth regulation.

The intraoperative bioprinting process

The process involves intraoperative bioprinting, allowing tissue to be printed during surgery for immediate repair. The hypodermis provides structure over the skull, while the dermis and epidermis layers form naturally, not requiring printing.

Clinical grade automated bioprinting

The fully automated bioprinting system used clinical-grade materials to achieve precise reconstruction of skin layers. The researchers believe this technology could be transformative in dermatology, hair transplant procedures, and plastic and reconstructive surgeries.

Continued research aims to mature hair follicles with controlled properties and integrate pigmentation matching for diverse skin tones. The ultimate goal is to enhance how natural reconstructive surgery appears, providing a path forward for those requiring such procedures.

Collaborative efforts and contributions

This collaborative project included contributions from Penn State, Polytechnique Montreal, University of British Columbia, and other notable institutions. Researchers are now focusing on optimizing the maturation of hair follicles and exploring skin pigmentation applications.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Penn State

More about Penn State at: www.psu.edu