By tweaking a few things on a a regular inkjet printer, researchers at Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC) have designed a bioprinter that can spray skin cells onto burns to protect the wounds. A laser takes a reading of the wound's shape and size to create a layer of healing skin cells that are applied with precision. The sprayed cells were created by dissolving human skin cells from pieces of skin, then separating and purifying the cell types. The researchers placed the cells in a nutritious solution to make them multiply. In two layers, the bioprinter applied fibroblasts and keratinocytes to form the protective outer skin layer. So far the device has been tested on mice, and the researchers plan on eventually seeking FDA approval to test it on humans. During testing, the mouse completely closed within three weeks. The sprayed cells integrated into the surrounding skin, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands. 

The researchers plan on testing the device with pigs, because their skin is closer to humans. The team is also collaborating with the U.S. Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine to develop ways to aid wounded soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.