Tissue Engineering of Skin Substitutes

Tissue engineering of skin substitutes seeks to recreate the complex structure and function of human skin for therapeutic applications, notably in the treatment of acute burns, chronic wounds and reconstructive surgery. The approach integrates living cells—such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts and various stem cell populations—with supportive biomaterial scaffolds or self-assembled extracellular matrices. Fabrication strategies range from simple acellular matrices to bilayered constructs combining dermal and epidermal elements, and advanced three-dimensional bioprinting techniques that offer precise spatial control of multiple cell types. Key objectives include rapid vascular integration, restoration of barrier function, pigmentation, innervation and appendage formation (such as hair follicles and sweat glands). Recent advances have improved scaffold design, cell sourcing and culture conditions to enhance mechanical integrity, cell viability and host integration. Nevertheless, challenges persist in achieving full anatomical and functional restoration, ensuring immunocompatibility and scaling production under regulatory standards. Ongoing research emphasises the translation of laboratory prototypes into stable, off-the-shelf products capable of reducing healing time, minimising scarring and improving patient quality of life on a global scale.

Research from Nature Portfolio

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Tissue Engineering of Skin Substitutes publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in tissue engineering of skin substitutes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Autologous: Tissue or cells obtained from the same individual, minimising immune rejection.

Biomaterial scaffold: A three-dimensional matrix—natural or synthetic—that provides structural support and biochemical cues for cell attachment and tissue formation.

Keratinocyte: The predominant cell type in the epidermis responsible for forming a protective barrier against environmental insults.

Extracellular matrix: A complex network of proteins and glycosaminoglycans secreted by cells, offering mechanical strength and regulatory signals.

3D bioprinting: A layer-by-layer fabrication method that precisely positions cells and biomaterials to create organised tissue constructs.

References

1. 3D biofabrication of diseased human skin models in vitro. Biomaterials Research (2023).
2. A Newly Developed Chemically Defined Serum-Free Medium Suitable for Human Primary Keratinocyte Culture and Tissue Engineering Applications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
3. Tissue engineering of skin and regenerative medicine for wound care. Burns & Trauma (2018).
4. Advances in Skin Tissue Bioengineering and the Challenges of Clinical Translation. Frontiers in Surgery (2021).