NTU scientists print human skin that matches natural pigment

Breakthrough could potentially replace animal testing and help burn and diabetic patients

Dr Ng Wei Long with a vial of 3D printed skin tissue.
Dr Ng Wei Long with a vial of 3D printed skin tissue. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID
Dr Ng Wei Long loading a printing cartridge of bio-ink which is made up of bio materials, cells or a combination of both materials.
Dr Ng Wei Long loading a printing cartridge of bio-ink which is made up of bio materials, cells or a combination of both materials. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID
Research fellow Ng Wei Long of Singapore Centre for 3D Printing at NTU's school of mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Research fellow Ng Wei Long of Singapore Centre for 3D Printing at NTU's school of mechanical and aerospace engineering.ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID
Dr Ng Wei Long (left) and Dr Yeong Wai Yee, assistant chair (students), both from NTU's school of mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Dr Ng Wei Long (left) and Dr Yeong Wai Yee, assistant chair (students), both from NTU's school of mechanical and aerospace engineering.ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID
Political Correspondent
  • Published
    Mar 2, 2018, 5:00 am SGT

Scientists from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) have managed to print tiny 2cm patches of human skin that look like the real thing.

They are the first in the world to be able to match the colours found naturally on the human body - and researchers have told The Straits Times that they believe their breakthrough has the potential to change science and medicine.

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How does skin printing work?
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 02, 2018, with the headline 'NTU scientists print human skin that matches natural pigment'. Print Edition | Subscribe
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