Scientists used real human cells to create skin for an android. Double layer coating
To create the skin, scientists immersed the robot's finger ina cylinder filled with a solution of collagen and dermal fibroblasts, the main components of the connective tissue of human skin. The cells of this mixture, as the researchers showed, shrink and tightly envelop the artificial finger.
After the formation of the inner layer, the developersput a finger in a solution of human keratinocytes. These epithelial cells, scientists explain, give artificial skin its texture and create a barrier to retain moisture.
Photo: Michio Kawai et al, Matter
In experiments, scientists have shown that the coatingstrong and elastic enough to withstand dynamic movements such as finger flexion and extension. In addition, researchers have shown the ability of the skin to "heal" wounds. In case of violation of the integrity of the coating, it was enough to use a collagen dressing, which gradually transformed into skin, tightening the wound.
The researchers note that theyartificial leather is not yet perfect. It cannot exist for a long time without the supply of nutrients and removal of cell waste. Now scientists are working on introducing sensory neurons, hair follicles, nails and sebaceous glands into the cellular structure.
Cover photo: Shoji Takeuchi
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