3D bioprinting of skin for treatment of severe wounds

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project was to use the latest technology within the field of 3D bioprinting to print "skin" that can contribute to wound healing. Our product idea was to 3D bioprint “skin” from patient´s own cells combined with supporting biomaterial. Such constructs can be transplanted to the patients and the body will act as an incubator to promote cell proliferation and skin formation. The aim was to reach to the point where we had tested 3D bioprinted skin on pigs, using autologous cells.

Expected results and effects

The result of the study is pieces of bioprinted skin made from various materials (nanocellulose, nanocellulose+ fibrin, collagen, collagen+fibrin) mixed with connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) for dermis and squamous cells (keratinocytes) for the surface of the skin. Both fibroblasts and keratinocytes survive the printing process. In the nanocellulose-based ink addition of fibrin is beneficial for the cells. The final printing based on collagen with, or without, addition of fibrin in the ink will be analyzed during spring -19.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been carried out with both technical development and biological experiments in cell culture and in animal models. Regarding materials, cellulose-based bioinks and bioinks based on collagen have been used. The keratinocytes initially had to be casted but could finally be printed. Animal experiments were carried out in Gothenburg and the microscopical analyses were performed in Linköping. A final analysis of bioprinted skin still remains and will be performed during spring -19. The collaboration between the 3 project part have been smooth and fruitful.