In a revolutionary first, a research group from Australia has successfully produced the world’s very first lab-grown human skin that functions just like the real deal — complete with its own blood supply!
Researchers from the University of Queensland pulled off this impressive feat using stem cells. They engineered skin that includes vital elements like blood vessels, capillaries, hair follicles, nerves, and a complex layer of tissue, plus immune cells to boot.
According to Dr. Abbas Shafiee, who spearheads this exciting research at UQ’s Frazer Institute, “This skin model is the most realistic one created globally. It opens doors for us to study skin diseases better and to trial treatments with more precision.”
He further explained that up until now, advancing our understanding of skin ailments and pairing them with new therapies was challenging for scientists.
Dr. Shafiee added, “Thanks to this model that distinctly mimics actual human skin, we’re getting a chance to go deeper into understanding these ailments, conducting treatment tests, and developing fresh therapeutic strategies much more effectively.”
Recent advancements in stem cell research enabled the team to create a 3D skin model from basic human skin cells, which were then transformed into stem cells capable of turning into any type of body cell.
These stem cells were grown in petri dishes, leading them to form miniature versions of skin known as skin organoids.
“From there, we utilized the same stem cells to form tiny blood vessels, integrating them into the developing skin model,” Dr. Shafiee elaborated.
He expressed excitement about the development, stating, “The skin matured just like natural human skin would, with all its layers, hair follicles, pigmentation, nerve structure, and, crucially, its unique blood supply,” as reported in the study published in Wiley Advanced Healthcare Materials.
After six years of dedicated work, this innovative skin model is anticipated to enhance the effectiveness of grafts and treatments for various inflammatory and genetic skin conditions, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and scleroderma, said co-author Professor Kiarash Khosrotehrani from UQ’s Frazer Institute.
He emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, stating, “Dealing with skin disorders can be incredibly challenging. This brings real hope to those who are managing lifelong conditions.”
