Epic Dermis: Scientists create 3D printer capable of producing living human skin

drunkdrone writes: Spanish scientists say they have developed a prototype 3D printer that is capable of printing 'functional' human skin that can be used for transplant patients, as well as an ethical alternative to animal testing.

The so-called bioprinter uses special 'ink' consisting of human cells and other biological components to reproduce the natural structure of the skin, including the external epidermis and the deeper dermis layer.

These 'bio inks' are deposited from special injectors onto a print bed to produce skin that is bioactive and capable of producing its own human collagen, the researchers claim.