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The study, which was recognised by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) with a grant of $2.4 million, hopes to develop laboratory grown skin using a patient’s own skin cells as an alternative to skin grafting surgery. 

As one of the chief investigators involved in the study, specialist plastic surgeon Mr Cheng Lo said the research will allow a team of scientists to isolate skin cells with the hope of expanding them to construct skin substitutes.

“This programme has the potential to develop burns treatments using a patient’s own skin cells so they would no longer need to rely on skin grafts,” Mr Lo said.

“This could revolutionise the way we treat burns patients by improving their outcome and ongoing comfort using skin grown from their own cultured cells.”

The study will use skin that would otherwise have been discarded during surgery, requiring no additional tissue collection or risks for those donating to the research.

Masada Private Hospital CEO, Lisa McFadden, said she was proud the hospital was playing a part in advancing treatment for burns patients.

“I hope this study will result in huge improvements in the treatment of burns patients, which could then eventually lead to other advancements in the treatment of various skin conditions,” Ms McFadden said.

“Ramsay Health Care is committed to being part of continually advancing science and medicine to ensure we can offer patients the best possible care.”  

The research to develop bioengineered skin, which has involved more than 10 years of work to date, will begin human trials in 2023.