A research team at Concord Hospital in Sydney has developed a new method for applying skin made from a patient’s own cells directly onto wounds using 3D printing. The approach, currently being tested in a clinical trial, may improve the treatment of severe burns in the long term. At the core of the technique is a robotic system developed by Inventia Life Science that precisely deposits biological material onto damaged skin areas.
The process involves harvesting and cultivating the patient’s skin cells, which are then applied to surgically prepared wound surfaces using the Ligo Surgical Robot. In the current trial phase, the technology is being used on wounds resulting from the harvesting of skin grafts. Future studies will assess its suitability for deeper injuries and burn surfaces.
Ryan Park, Minister for Health, said: “This is life-changing technology which can make a world of difference to people with burns injuries and soft tissue loss and further enhances Concord Burns Unit’s reputation as a developing centre of excellence for burns care globally. We know people with serious burns face a range of medical complications, including wound healing and scarring, so this breakthrough offers a promising new approach to accelerate recovery, reduce pain, and improve long-term outcomes for patients.”
David Harris, Minister for Medical Research, said: “Supporting our innovators and their technologies through the NSW Medical Devices Fund is just one of the unique ways we are seeing enhanced interventions leading to better health outcomes for the people of NSW. This is evident by the clinical trial at Concord Hospital Burns Unit, involving Inventia Life Science. This innovative and life-changing approach aims to make healing more consistent, reduce the need for additional surgeries and improve patient outcomes.”
Previous treatment methods typically relied on conventional grafts using donor skin or synthetic materials. However, these are associated with longer healing times, increased scarring, and often additional surgical interventions. The researchers at Concord Hospital see targeted use of autologous cells combined with additive manufacturing as a promising way to shorten healing times and reduce post-traumatic stress.
Mark Buttigieg MLC, Government Spokesperson for Drummoyne, said: “This world-first advancement is a testament to the skill and dedication of the team here at the Concord Burns Unit. Through their efforts over the years, Australia has achieved worldwide recognition for our ability to treat people with severe burns.”
Jason Yat-Sen Li, Member for Strathfield, said: “Most people will know the Burns Unit from their treatment of the 2002 Bali bombing victims. The team have also achieved remarkable outcomes for some of our most seriously injured burns patients, here at home, as well as their significant research efforts. These research efforts that have resulted in world-first technology like 3D printed skin.”
According to the lead research team, initial patient experiences have shown reduced pain and more consistent tissue regeneration. The project is supported with funding of 3.47 million Australian dollars from the New South Wales Medical Devices Fund. The method could become standard practice in plastic and reconstructive surgery, particularly for severe thermal injuries.
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