Using nanoscale technology, engineers created a material that can be absorbed by our own skin as it heals. The elasticity and the thickness of this synthetic skin can be custom-matched to specific areas of the body.
It incorporates a recently discovered material, known as polyglycerol sebacate, which is stretchy and compatible with human tissue.
Tests with skin cells showed that the material's small-scale fibres provide a scaffold on which newly formed skin can grow.
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"Our technique is a cost-effective way of making artificial skin adapted for all areas of body, to accelerate the wound healing process," says Dr. Norbert Radacsi.
"Dressings made from this new fabric would be absorbed by the body, reducing the need for frequent changes," says Antonios Keirouz.
(Image Credit: Antonios Keirouz)