Artificial Skin

Author: Malika Muratzhanova

Abstract

Introduction:

One of the fascinating features of the skin is the ability to touch and sense, then transmit signals to the brain. Because of its complexity, skin is difficult to repair when it has severe damage, like burns, diseases, or traumas. Lately, scientists have been working on making rigid electronic devices more stretchable, flexible, self-healing and able to transmit signals like human skin. Artificial skin can provide patients with an artificial sensation, some functions of electronic skin are still in their infancy.

Methods:

Researchers provide many solutions for skin repair with electronic skin. In the case of serious injuries, surgeons perform an operation, where they take a patient's sample of healthy skin, and skin cells are taken to the laboratory where they are then harvested. A team of scientists combines skin cells with a polymer matrix that holds onto the cells, called hydrogel. As a result, this creates a skin graft that contains both dermis and epidermis, and it enables patients to return an opportunity to touch and sense. Another way is an entirely electronic skin made of stretchable and flexible electronics that work together with the nervous system to perceive and process data. Electronic skin is beneficial for people with prostheses, who want to touch and sense too.

Results:

Curtiss, a Swiss biotech company from Zurich University, has announced the development of a technique that can successfully replace human skin. Zhenan Bao and her science team work on an electronic skin that can also give data about blood pressure, and even levels of glucose. However, alternatives for human skin are still in development and need further work.