Scientists Develop First Artificial Skin Capable of Sweating, Growing Hair

Japanese scientists has successfully developed and grown artificial skin that is capable of behaving like normal skin, and has the ability to sweat and grow hair. The breakthrough research has many advantageous implications for burn victims as well as those with skin diseases and scars.

The research saw a successful development in the growth of dermal tissue by using stem cells that can be used to replicate any other cell present in the body. The experiments, which were conducted on laboratory mice, saw the reprogramming of cells to become embryonic stem cells.

The newly developed skin will be different from prior substitutes and grafted options by its ability to produce sweat, secrete oil as well as contain hair follicles. Furthermore, it will also have three layers just like natural human skin. The development could spell good news for regenerative therapy and hints at future possibilities to create fully functional organs for clinical treatment. In addition, the artificial skin can also be an effective measure against baldness and hypohydrosis.

However, there is an ongoing debate whether the artificial skin can be tested on humans. Ideally, artificial human skin should be developed from human cells and not those of mice. The scientists are still trying to figure out the solution to this dilemma at the moment, and have proclaimed that it will still be a long while before such results are achieved with the use of human stem cells.

On a brighter side, the researchers aim to generate organs in the laboratory to assist patients who have to rely on donors for transplants. It is more difficult to generate skin, the largest organ in the body that plays a crucial role in protecting the inner and outer organs from the adversities of the environment and infections, as well as regulates temperature. For now the artificially developed skin will be used for testing cosmetics, which could help in reducing such experimental practices on animals in the future.