In-situ bioprinting of skin - A review

Abstract

The skin plays a vital role in several significant physiological functions, including wound healing. It is possible to regenerate the skin's epidermis and dermis layers using bio-printed skin substitutes in patients suffering from skin injuries. In-situ bioprinting has advanced significantly in recent years, enabling the usage of novel biomaterials and allowing the development of ‘biofabrication’ techniques that can resemble the biological, architectural, and functional complexity of native skin. This paper summarizes some of the most recent approaches to skin regeneration and in-situ bio-fabrication techniques. It also presents strategies and perspectives on triggering the proper regenerative response of the body through the tuned mechanical properties of the implant to recapitulate native physiology. Available materials for engineering ideal skin substitutes and reviewing the skin properties reported in the literature are also reported. Moreover, challenges and prospects in the clinical translation of in-situ bioprinting are also discussed.