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Bioprinting a Tri-layered Skin Analogue
Hilal Mete Gunaydin1, Saskia M Fogg1, Richard J A Moakes1
1School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|April 10, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel bioprinting technique, suspended layer additive manufacturing (SLAM), to create a functional, tri-layered skin substitute. This advanced tissue engineering approach mimics human skin
Area of Science:
- Bioprinting and Tissue Engineering
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Replicating the complex cellular structure and functions of human skin's three layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis) remains a significant challenge in tissue engineering.
- Existing tissue engineering methods struggle to fully recreate the intricate cellular framework and functional properties of native skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a continuous, tri-layered skin substitute using a novel bioprinting method that closely mimics human skin.
- To create a scaffold with gradient mechanical properties supporting diverse cell types for enhanced skin regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized suspended layer additive manufacturing (SLAM), a bioprinting technique employing fluid gels as a temporary support matrix for hydrogel bioink extrusion.
- Designed 3D skin structures using computer-aided design (CAD) and fabricated them with bioinks mimicking epidermal, dermal, and hypodermal layers.
- Incorporated pectin and collagen to replicate the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure, embedding human epidermal keratinocytes (hEKs), human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).
Main Results:
- The SLAM-printed skin construct, cultured for 21 days, demonstrated cellular components crucial for remodeling into architectures resembling healthy skin.
- Ex vivo implantation into a simulated porcine wound showed successful integration within 7 days, evidenced by adipose tissue mobilization into the construct.
- The bioprinted structure exhibited a gradient of mechanical properties, supporting the growth and function of multiple cell types.
Conclusions:
- SLAM bioprinting offers a promising method for creating functional, multi-layered skin substitutes that closely mimic native human skin.
- The use of pectin and collagen effectively replicates key ECM components, guiding cellular organization and tissue development.
- The study highlights the potential of advanced bioprinting techniques in regenerative medicine for complex tissue reconstruction.
