Scientists at Japan’s RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology have successfully created a batch of lab-grown artificial skin capable of not only growing hair but also sweating. Furthermore, the grown tissue, which the researchers implanted onto living mice, displayed the mysterious yet amazing ability to facilitate bonds within the test animals’ muscle fibers and nerves. RIKEN hopes that these positive results can facilitate researchers with the creation and development of future skin transplants for burn victims or those afflicted with skin diseases.
To create the sweat-producing, hair-growing skin samples, the research team started with extraction of a batch of cells from the gums of mice. After using a mixture of chemicals to turn the derived gum cells into something similar to stem cells, a fully functional three-layered skin sample was developed. The skin was then implanted onto the mice where the researchers reported the normal connection of nerves and muscle tissues. This new technology uses a collagen membrane scaffold to help heal wounds faster. The artificial skin can be stored at room temperature for a long period of time, which means hospitals which lack facilities to treat patients with severe burns can hold stocks to apply as first aid. “This new type of artificial skin will not replace procedures such as skin grafting or harvesting,” but is a temporary measure to protect the wound from fluid loss and infection.
“Our present outcomes indicate a proof of concept of regenerative therapy of a fully functional and integrated skin organ system that will have a potential for the application of future clinical treatment,” said RIKEN team leader Takashi Tsuji.
Treatments that can be produced quickly and at low cost are good news for the world at large as they take us closer to the dream of being able to recreate actual organs in the labs for transplantation.
News Source: Japan Times | Digital Trends | DNAIndia
Image Source: Riken.jp
