3D technology can be used to print human skin in next five years giving medical science and cosmetic industry a new boost.
Some companies are studying and developing 3D printing technology, particularly in bioprinting. Through it, internal organs and other body parts can be printed and utilized.
Growing skin is a slow and complex procedure. 3-D bioprinting would speed things up. Instead of waiting for skin to develop in a laboratory, cosmetic companies could build models more quickly by printing them out. It also creates much stronger prototypes.
French cosmetics giant L’Oreal has already partnered with Organovo, a biotech company, to study and develop 3D printed tissues to be used for human skin.
That could mean new products — and revenues — for companies like L’Oreal. The firm spent nearly $1 billion on research and innovation in 2013.
It is estimated that the value of 3D printed skin business will reach 1 billion US dollars in 10 years.
