This approach is difficult, somewhat complicated, and modestly successful. Cell culture systems have developed to the extent that embryonic stem cells can be cultured. These cells have the capacity to differentiate into almost any kind of cell, depending on the biologic factors or messengers that they come into contact with. Achieving this milestone has made the vision of growing new organs in culture a reality. New skin is now used to cover burned skin.
Epithelial cells are cultured and the sheets of cells fixed to an artificially made matrix.
The combination constitutes skin that is then placed on the burn area. The artificial matrix is then naturally replaced with endogenous matrix and new skin appears. Liver cells are now placed into collagen matrix and placed inside the lumens of capillary tubes. This is the same capillary technology that is used for hemodialysis. These cells function and can be modulated with other biologic agents to focus the desired biologic functions.