Swedish scientists have created artificial skin with blood vessels using 3D bioprinting, a breakthrough that could fundamentally change the treatment of burns and tissue repair.
Researchers from Linköping University have developed two 3D bioprinting technologies that make it possible to create artificial skin with a built-in vascular system. These methods open up new possibilities for treating severe burns and restoring skin after injuries.
Currently, skin grafts typically use only the top layer, the epidermis, which leaves scars and doesn’t restore full skin functionality. The new technologies allow for the creation of “living” skin that includes the dermis with nerves and blood vessels.
The first method uses “μInk” bio-ink based on hyaluronic acid and fibroblasts, which synthesize collagen and stimulate the growth of new vessels. The second technology, called REFRESH, forms a network of future vessels using a hydrogel. The printed filaments gradually dissolve, leaving channels for blood flow.
The researchers plan to combine both approaches to create a complete layer of skin with a fully functioning vascular system. While clinical application is still far off—scientists are working on minimizing inflammatory reactions and infection risks—these technologies are already seen as a potential breakthrough in regenerative medicine.
