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Scientists at the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering have created 3D-printed simulated skin that bleeds and stretches much like real human tissue. Their hope is that it can eventually be used in medical training for surgeons and doctors.
The scientists state in a report announcing the new development that this 3D-printed skin “can mimic the complex directional strength, softness and stretchiness found in real tissues like skin and other organs.”
“Cadaver-based training has been reported to be superior to simulation training as it naturally incorporates anatomical variations in landmarks, tissue structures, and cavities,” the scientists wrote in their research report, published in the journal Science Advances. “Nevertheless, cadavers are expensive and nonreusable, and most clinical settings have limited access to them. Animal-derived tissue is also difficult to obtain and store. Therefore, a method to enhance the mechanical fidelity of synthetic skin simulants is critical to improving training standards and upskilling clinicians.”
3D-printed skin can offer a solution to multiple problems
Not only were these scientists able to create realistic 3D-printed skin, they also were able to embed tiny fluid-filled capsules within the structure of the simulated human tissue that mimics blood. Through testing, the researchers found that surgeons rated this new 3D-printed skin higher for tactile feedback and response to cutting compared to previous, conventional models which are primarily made of silicone-based materials.
“This approach opens the door to creating more realistic training models for surgery, which could ultimately improve medical outcomes,” said first author on the research paper, Adarsh Somayaji, who has a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota. “While challenges remain in scaling up the process, we see strong potential for this 3D-printing method in complex training scenarios.”
Now, the researchers say they are focusing “on expanding the new technology to create a variety of shapes to mimic other organs, develop bionic organs and incorporate more advanced materials that respond to common surgical tools like electrocautery — a surgical technique that uses a heat tool to remove small growths.”
Other work in the field of artificial skin
Earlier this year, scientists working in robotics developed a different, highly-sensitive, human-like “skin” that can enable robots to detect information about their surroundings in a way that is similar to humans. The skin can sense pressure, heat, and sharp contact, but unlike human skin, it won’t scar or lose sensitivity.
This type of artificial skin could also eventually be suitable for other applications. It could be used in advanced bionic limbs or infused with vitamins to improve the health of residual limbs that require a prosthetic.