Development of bioinks for skin regeneration and wound healing: A review

Skin serves as a crucial barrier, safeguarding organisms from their surroundings. However, the skin and its appendages are prone to injury, necessitating efficient methods for rapid regeneration. The wound healing process is a multifaceted and extended biological phenomenon involving distinctive phases such as hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. In recent years, there has been promising progress in the field of 3D bioprinting, especially in its application for wound healing and skin tissue regeneration. This technology allows precise distribution of cells and other materials to create customized skin substitutes, which can be produced rapidly and reliably. In principle, such an approach is suitable for both personalized clinical medicine and industrial applications. Besides, in the case of skin regeneration and wound healing, bioinks play an essential role in supplying a supportive matrix for cell migration, growth, and tissue regeneration. The ongoing development of novel bioinks for skin regeneration and wound healing allowed the manufacturing of models and in vitro implants capable of achieving a certain degree of success in preclinical trials. This review presents an overview of bioinks developed for skin bioprinting. Current limitations, challenges, and future research directions in the field are discussed to stimulate further exploration in the field.