SLIVERS of skin have been stretched to twice their size in a week using a robotic bioreactor that is akin to a medieval rack. The technique could increase the size, viability and availability of skin grafts for treating burns and wounds.
“The technique could increase the size and availability of skin grafts for treating burns”
At present, skin grafts can be expanded by making cuts in them to create a mesh, or by inserting balloons under the graft once it has been attached to the body. These gradually expand, stretching the overlying skin. But skin meshes heal unevenly and balloons…
