It replicates the natural structure of the skin, with a first external layer, the epidermis with its stratum corneum, which acts as protection against the external environment, together with another thicker, deeper layer, the dermis. This last layer consists of fibroblasts that produce collagen, the protein that gives elasticity and mechanical strength to the skin.

Prof. Jorcano from the UC3M’s department of Bioengineering and Aerospace Engineering and head of the Mixed Unit CIEMAT/UC3M in Biomedical Engineering claimed that this skin “can be transplanted to patients or used in business settings to test chemical products, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products in quantities and with timetables and prices that are compatible with these uses.”

They are able to generate 100 cm², a standard P100 tissue culture plate, of printed skin in less than 35 min.

The scientists have published their prototype in the electronic version of the scientific journal Biofabrication: Nieves Cubo, Marta García, Juan Francisco del Cañizo, Diego Velasco, José L. Jorcano (2016): 3D bioprinting of functional human skin: production and in vivo analysis. Biofabrication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1758-5090/9/1/015006

Source:
http://www.uc3m.es/ss/Satellite/UC3MInstitucional/en/Detalle/Comunicacion_C/1371227676496/1371215537949/Spanish_scientists_create_a_3D_bioprinter_to_print_human_skin