Development and application of a mechanical arm-based in situ 3D bioprinting method for the repair of skin wounds

Current treatments for skin wounds typically involve multiple surgical procedures that require complex processes and expensive costs, making it difficult to achieve timely treatment in field environments. We developed an innovative in situ printing method, utilizing robotic arm control, to address the significant challenges of large-scale skin wound repair resulting from natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, and explosions during relief efforts. Our portable 3D printing equipment, which integrates debridement, precise 3D scanning and modeling of wounds, and compatibility with cell-loaded bioink, facilitates rapid repair of large-area skin wounds in specialized field environments. Compared with traditional methods, this in situ printing method has significant advantages, including the ability to customize treatment according to the unique needs of the wound, achieve rapid healing, and the potential to reduce the total cost. We conducted experiments on rats with full-thickness dorsal skin defects and compared the performance of in situ bioprinting method with commercial skin defect repair dressings. Our results demonstrate that the in situ bioprinted skin achieved faster wound healing and more uniform re-epithelialization than the commercial dressing treatment. This study demonstrates the potential of in situ bioprinting method as a promising and effective strategy for rapid skin wound healing, especially for patients in remote environments where traditional wound treatment methods may not be readily available or practical. Article Highlights The development of a portable 3D skin printer that can operate in harsh field environments and meet the customized needs of individuals quickly. The printer utilizes the flexibility of a mechanical arm, providing a larger printing area and smaller size that can be easily collapsed into a suitcase-sized package when not in use. The portable printer offers significant advantages over traditional skin injury treatment methods, contributing to expedited skin wound recovery.