Three-dimensional (3D) skin bioprinting is an emerging technology that can deposit customised biomaterials with or without desired cell types (i.e. bioinks) in 3D constructs, mimicking the skin. This study aimed to analyse the granted patents for skin bioinks intended for 3D skin bioprinting from 2017 to 2022. The patents were searched in international patent databases [WIPO, Google Patent, European Patent Office] using keywords ['Skin Bioink’, ‘Artificial Skin’, ‘3D Printing’, ‘3D Skin Bioprinting’, 'Biological Ink’] and then were filtered by an application date between 2017 and 2022. The exclusion criteria included bioinks used to prepare artificial skin for non-medicinal uses [engineering robotics], patents for bioinks for construction of tissues other than skin or unspecified tissues, pending patents, and patents for manufacturing methods. The selected granted patents were reviewed by all co-authors and analysed based on their jurisdiction, publication date of the patent application, assignees, bioink compositions, additional features, and potential applications. In total, our search yielded 550 patents. Of these, 45 were included in the analysis. Patent applications were filed by nine countries, mostly by South Korea [n=20] and China [n=15]. The most common materials used in a hydrogel composition were collagen [n=13] and gelatin [n=8]. Skin bioinks were intended for the use in vivo [n=24], in vitro [n=12], or both [n=5]. Given the patent landscape particularly in pre-pandemic years, 3D skin bioprinting is expected to rapidly expand in the near future. Within its limitations, 3D skin bioprinting is a promising innovative approach that could be potentially beneficial for a broad range of conditions, including chronic wounds, burns, and skin cancers. In the prospect, skin bioinks can also be used for in vitro cosmetics, drug and toxicity testing.

ESDR582 - The Patent Landscape Analysis of Skin Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.