The first living human skin was grown in the laboratory

Scientists from the University of Queensland's Frazer Institute have succeeded in producing the world's most advanced human skin in a laboratory environment.

Researchers say this artificial skin could be used to study rare genetic skin diseases and develop new treatments.

The skin replica developed from stem cells includes blood vessels, hair follicles, tissue layers and immune cells.

Institute Director Prof. Kiarash Khosrotehrani emphasized that these skin organoids, developed at the end of six years of work, could revolutionize skin transplants, wound healing, and skin disease research:

“This study will open the door to new treatments for many rare diseases affecting children.”

A MODEL BEYOND SKIN

Dr. Abbas Shafiee, who took part in the research, reminded that previous skin models consisted of only a single cell type, and stated that this new model, which includes vascular and immune components, will make a significant contribution to the study of diseases in a laboratory environment and to drug development.

Scientists say these organoids can be used to investigate common skin diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and scleroderma, as well as much rarer genetic disorders.

It is also thought that it could contribute to the development of skin grafts used for extensive burns, traumatic wounds and some surgeries.

Prof. Khosrotehrani also stated that the artificial skin they developed, which contains blood vessels and nerves, could provide hair, sweat glands, and sensation to transplant patients in the future.

HOPE FOR BUTTERFLY DISEASE

Commenting on the development, Prof. Allison Cowin from the University of South Australia stated that this study could be an important step in the treatment of rare genetic diseases such as epidermolysis bullosa (EB), also known as the "butterfly disease."

Cowin stated that the new model could be a valuable step for clinical trials, and warned:

"Going from the laboratory to human transplants is a very complex process. While the results are exciting, patients should not be given premature hope."