Synthetic human skin textiles developed by Carlos III University in Madrid, Spain

Scientists from Carlos III University in Madrid, Spain, have used 3D printing technology to produce synthetic human skin textiles. They use biological ingredients in a process called bioprinting, not the plastics used in traditional 3D printers.

At the university's press conference in early 2017, the researchers outlined two different processes: "The mass production of allogeneic skin from cell banks for industrial processes; the creation of autologous skin from patients' own cells, for For therapeutic use, such as severe burn treatment."

Synthetic skin uses bio-ink to try to replicate layers in real skin. Using the right biological ingredients to fight the deterioration is the key to success. “Understanding how to mix biological components, under what conditions it works without deteriorating cells, and how to properly deposit products is critical to the system,” said researcher Juan Francisco del Cañizo.

The computer controls the entire process by depositing the bio-ink in an orderly manner on the printing station and then generating the skin. The 3D printer first prints the epidermis with the stratum corneum, the outer layer of the skin. Next is the dermis, followed by a layer of fibroblasts that produce collagen – a protein that gives the skin strength and elasticity. In combination, we are not far from skin grafts that no longer need to take skin from other parts of the body.

In just half an hour, the researchers were able to create 100 square centimeters of synthetic skin. They also suggest that the patient's own cells can be used to create synthetic skin – essentially essentially personalizing the skin texture to better match each patient. In this case, the burned patient will no longer have to worry about skin grafting; the skin is still his own skin, but it is not taken from another part of the body, but is printed by a computer.

Another interesting application for using the patient's own cells to synthesize skin is: drug testing. People may be allergic to drugs, so drug testers can avoid the risk of testing a living person. Instead, test a small piece of synthetic skin with the person's DNA to see if there is any reaction.

Whether it's plastic or synthetic human skin, textiles are changing the future of healthcare. At the time of synthetic skin, we may no longer need to cut a piece of skin from one part of the body and then transplant it to another part, while electronic textiles may transmit data wirelessly to the APP before sending it to the doctor. Remote monitoring can reduce the number of times patients run hospital and outpatient appointments. Finally, smart bandages can change the way the battlefield drugs are managed, allowing soldiers to heal faster and return to the battlefield faster.