Revolutionizing Dermatology with Bioprinting

The most important advancement since the creation of 3D printing, bioprinting is completely disrupting the field of dermatology. During the exhibit Dans Ma Peau at the Musée de l’Homme, Jérémie Soeur, Head of Cellular and Tissue Engineering Group, let us in on the secrets of this new technology. 

The concept of the printer has greatly evolved since its beginning, when its only function was to generate paper documents. In the cosmetics industry, 3D printers now allow for the creation of prototypes and packaging in record time. But this technology goes far beyond just printing objects. Three-dimensional printing now allows for the creation of cellular structures, known as “bioprinting.” 

Stocking and Recreating Live Cells

Jérémie Soeur commented on this technique that sits at the heart of the work carried out by our Research & Innovation department: “Bioprinting is a very new technology. Thanks to cutting-edge technological tools, we can print living cells and implant them into other living material.”   

These cells could be taken from human hair, for example, and then multiplied. This allows scientists in the laboratory to have an unlimited quantity of biological tissue to work with. Soon, they’ll make it possible for every individual to have a stock of spare cells if needed. 

Jérémie Soeur is convinced this technology will revolutionize dermatology: “One day, urban dermatologists will be able to use a stock of cells to repair skin damaged by wounds or burns in a fast, effective way.” 

Although bioprinting research is very recent, it’s one of the fastest growing fields. In medicine, some printed compounds have already been used to transplant hollow organs such as the bladder. Now, researchers are working on printing vital organs like the heart and liver. One thing is for sure: the bioprinting trail is already being blazed.