Researchers create 3D printer that works directly on human skin

Who needs wearable electronics when you can print them on your skin directly? That is the thinking that drove Minnesota-based researchers to customize a 3D printer so that it can put sensors and other temporary electronics on human skin, an article on Phys.org stated. Using the skin of anything alive as a printing surface is difficult because the animal or human cannot help but move even when they are trying to hold still. However, the modified printer can compensate for this involuntary movement. This technology has many promising applications. Soldiers could use it to put makeshift sensors on their bodies so they can be warned about the presence of biological or chemical warfare agents in their surroundings. Or they can print solar cells that can recharge night vision gear, radios, or other important electronic equipment. And it’s not just limited to printing electronics. The University of Minnesota(UMN) researchers demonstrated that their printer can also apply biological matter like skin cells. They demonstrated this ability by printing new skin cells on the wounded skin of a mouse. In addition to helping skin wounds heal, the technique could replace the current practice of surgically removing a healthy patch and transplanting it onto a section affected by a skin disorder. (Read more)

---