In Situ Bioprinting of Autologous Skin Cells Accelerates Wound Healing of Extensive Excisional Full-Thickness Wounds

TLDR

Early treatment and rapid closure of acute or chronic wounds are essential to prevent hypertrophic scarring, yet split‑thickness autografts are limited by donor skin availability and skin‑equivalent alternatives require multiple surgeries and high costs. The study presents a mobile skin bioprinting system designed for rapid on‑site management of extensive wounds. Integrated imaging technology enables precise delivery of autologous or allogeneic dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes directly into the injury, replicating a layered skin structure. Bioprinted wounds with layered autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes in a hydrogel carrier closed rapidly, with reduced contraction, accelerated re‑epithelialization, and regenerated tissue exhibiting healthy‑like dermal structure, organized collagen fibers, mature vasculature, and proliferating keratinocytes.

Abstract

Abstract The early treatment and rapid closure of acute or chronic wounds is essential for normal healing and prevention of hypertrophic scarring. The use of split thickness autografts is often limited by the availability of a suitable area of healthy donor skin to harvest. Cellular and non-cellular biological skin-equivalents are commonly used as an alternative treatment option for these patients, however these treatments usually involve multiple surgical procedures and associated with high costs of production and repeated wound treatment. Here we describe a novel design and a proof-of-concept validation of a mobile skin bioprinting system that provides rapid on-site management of extensive wounds. Integrated imaging technology facilitated the precise delivery of either autologous or allogeneic dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes directly into an injured area, replicating the layered skin structure. Excisional wounds bioprinted with layered autologous dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes in a hydrogel carrier showed rapid wound closure, reduced contraction and accelerated re-epithelialization. These regenerated tissues had a dermal structure and composition similar to healthy skin, with extensive collagen deposition arranged in large, organized fibers, extensive mature vascular formation and proliferating keratinocytes.