3D-printed skin with built-in blood vessels and immune-matched cells
Optimizing Therapeutic Revascularization by Endothelial Cell Transplantation
['FUNDING_R01'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11326320
They are building 3D-printed skin that includes blood vessels and cells matched to avoid rejection, to help people who need large skin grafts heal better.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326320 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I needed a large skin graft, this project aims to create a three-layer, 3D-printed skin substitute that already contains small and larger blood vessels so the graft gets blood flow quickly. The team makes special "bioinks" from human cells (fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, and keratinocytes) sourced together and printed into a layered skin structure. They will test ways to boost vessel growth after grafting, using growth factors or gene-based tweaks, and use the printed skin as a model to study perfusion and immune reactions. Early work is done in the lab and preclinical models, with the goal of safer, better-performing grafts for patients in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with large burns, major skin loss, chronic non-healing wounds, or who need improved skin graft options would be the most likely future candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without significant skin defects or those ineligible for transplant or clinical research (for example with uncontrolled infection or certain immune problems) may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce skin grafts that connect to blood supply faster and are less likely to be rejected, improving healing and graft survival.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies of vascularized, bioprinted tissues have shown promising results, but fully functional, immune-compatible printed skin for routine patient use remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POBER, JORDAN S — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: POBER, JORDAN S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.