Spanish scientists create 3D bioprinter to print human skin

Spanish scientists have created a 3D bioprinter capable of producing functional human skin, which according to a researcher, opens a new phase.

Juan Francisco del Canizo, Head of the Section of Experimental Surgery at Hospital Gregorio Maranon, told Xinhua that the printer "opens a new phase because it is the first method demonstrating that functional skin can be produced with a 3D printer."

The method has its advantages, the doctor said, as "it makes the process of creating skin shorter and it makes it cheaper too."

The doctor said the printer can print both autologous skin and allogeneic skin.

"The autologous skin is made from the patient's own cells, for therapeutic use, such as in the treatment of severe burns, although it is also used to treat ulcers," he said.

"The allogeneic skin is made from a stock of cells, for industrial processes such as test some cosmetics," he explained.

The project was born about three years ago and was developed by researchers of the Hospital Gregorio Maranon in Madrid, the Carlos III University in Madrid and the Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) in collaboration with the bio-engineering company BioDan Group. Endit