The humble inkjet printer has inspired researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for regenerative Medicines to develop a skin printing system that they hope will one day help save lives on the battlefield.
Dr Anthony Atala a director of the institute said "We started out by taking a typical desktop inkjet cartridge. Instead of ink we use cells, which are placed in the cartridge."
Other universities are also experimenting with the technique which is being aimed at rebuilding skin for burns victims, by building fresh skin over damaged tissue. A small piece of healthy skin is taken chemically from the patient, seperated and then expanded in large quantities. Once the new skin cells are made they are then loaded into an adapted cartridge and printed onto the patient without actually coming into contact with them. The new cells mature forming healthy skin anywhere from a matter of minutes to a few hours depending on the area and severity of the burn.
The pioneering project is in pre-clinical trials and could take another five years before it reaches a stage where it can be used on patients. Burns injuries account for between 5% and 20% of those sustained on the battlefield, but it is hoped that the new printer will find a use in both military and civilian situations.
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