ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the definition and technical details of 3-D bioprinting. It discusses the detailed processes of making 3-D bioprinted full-thickness human skin containing a vascularized and perfusable dermis. Skin burns, a major medical emergency, can occur when patients encounter a house fire, electrical currents, caustic chemicals, radiation, automobile accidents, and work-related accidents, and burns can result in major skin loss. Chronic wound healing is a significant medical issue, especially for the elderly population, and chronic wounds impose substantial morbidity and mortality on a large number of older patients. Skin grafts that can only provide temporary coverage, although helping prevent skin infection, do not provide a solution to the healing of chronic wounds. Because of the inherent limitation and ethical concern with regard to the use of live animals as skin disease models, bioengineered skin is being considered as a potential substitute for skin disease modeling.
