Russian Bioprinter Helps Doctors Close Wounds in Seconds
Russian researchers have developed a compact medical device that can rapidly close wounds and accelerate healing. The technology works in a way that somewhat resembles a childhood remedy – applying a plantain leaf to a cut – but instead uses advanced bioprinting and biomaterials to help damaged tissue recover.
Many people remember how, after scraping a knee as a child, someone would place a plantain leaf on the wound. At the time, there was no scientific explanation for why this folk remedy worked, yet the pain often subsided quickly. Today, modern medicine is applying a somewhat similar principle. Instead of a green leaf, however, doctors now have access to advanced biomedical technologies.
Researchers at Natsionalnyy issledovatelskiy tekhnologicheskiy universitet MISiS (National University of Science and Technology MISIS) have developed a device known as a “tissue gun.” It is a compact bioprinter designed to apply therapeutic biomaterials directly onto wounds.
The device operates like a small robotic medical instrument. It delivers a biopolymer gel combined with medicinal compounds directly onto damaged tissue. These components mix during application and form a protective therapeutic layer. The layer seals the wound, reduces pain, helps stop bleeding, protects tissue from infection and accelerates healing. A wound covering an area of about ten square centimeters can be treated in just a few seconds.
How the Device Works
The device is fully autonomous and powered by a rechargeable battery. It weighs about 350 grams, allowing a physician to operate it with one hand. The housing and many internal parts are produced using 3D printing technology. Inside the device is a system for delivering medications along with an ultrasonic mechanism that helps combine therapeutic components during application.
The development is based on the principles of bioprinting. In this field of medicine, specialized devices create biological structures from materials compatible with the human body, meaning they do not trigger allergic reactions or tissue rejection.
In the case of the tissue gun, two components are used: a biopolymer and medicinal compounds. While stored in separate syringes inside the device, the materials remain inactive. When the spray is applied to the wound, the components combine and form a durable therapeutic layer.
The device can also be used to irrigate wounds. A dedicated system allows physicians to gently remove contaminants and damaged tissue, further improving the healing process.
When the Tissue Gun Can Be Used
This technology is especially useful in situations where rapid stabilization of a patient is critical, such as traumatic injuries, burns or open wounds. Several versions of the device have already been developed. They are called Podorozhnik (Plantain), Fibroblaster and Lekar (Healer). Each version is adapted for specific medical applications.
The technology has been tested in collaboration with physicians. Experiments on animals showed that when the specialized hydrogel is used, tissue regenerates faster than when conventional treatments are applied.
Today, these bioprinters are being used in several Russian medical and research centers, including Sechenov University and Samara State Medical University. The goal of these institutions is to accelerate the integration of new treatment technologies into clinical practice.
Developers say the device can be used not only in hospital settings. Because of its compact size, it is suitable for mobile hospitals, field medicine and emergency response situations.
Why the Technology Matters for Patients
The main advantage of the technology is the ability to treat wounds faster and more effectively. For patients, this means quicker tissue regeneration, reduced infection risk and less pain. The technology may be particularly valuable in treating burns, chronic wounds, ulcers and other skin injuries.
Another key benefit is the speed of care. A medical professional can treat a wound in just seconds, preparing the patient for further treatment or transportation. This capability is especially important in emergency medicine, where every second can be critical.
New Opportunities for Bioprinting
Bioprinting is considered one of the most promising areas of modern medicine. Researchers around the world are developing technologies that allow tissues and even organs to be created using specialized printers.
Russian research centers are actively participating in these developments. At MISIS, scientists are conducting research in tissue engineering and biomaterials that can be used to restore damaged tissues.
In addition to compact devices for wound treatment, researchers are developing more complex bioprinting systems. For example, robotic platforms may apply biomaterials according to a digital model and form tissue structures directly on the patient’s body.
The developers are currently preparing the device for medical regulatory approval, an essential step before widespread clinical deployment. The growth of bioprinting could become the foundation for a new technological sector that combines medicine, biology, materials science and digital technologies.
Interest in bioprinters is increasing worldwide. Such technologies are attracting attention from healthcare systems, research institutions and medical technology companies.
