Development and Mechanical Characterization of Artificial Skin for Surgical Suture Training: Tensile Strength and Viscoelastic Properties Compared to Human Skin

TL;DR

Researchers developed a low-cost, 3D-printable artificial skin model that mimics human skin's mechanical properties for training surgical suturing techniques.

Contribution

A scalable, affordable artificial skin model with realistic tensile and viscoelastic properties for surgical training is introduced.

Findings

The artificial skin closely matches human skin's tensile strength and viscoelastic properties.

The model is scalable from 100 cm² to 10,000 cm² and made from inexpensive materials.

Tensile tests using a 3-0 polypropylene suture confirmed the model's mechanical accuracy.

Abstract

The effective training of medical students in surgical suturing techniques requires realistic and accessible artificial skin models. This study presents the design, fabrication, and mechanical characterization of a low-cost, 3D-printable artificial skin model that replicates the viscoelastic and tensile properties of human skin. The model is designed to be scalable, with working areas ranging from 100 cm² (for single suture practice) to 10,000 cm² (for large-scale simulations).

The artificial skin consists of two 1-mm-thick layers, simulating the epidermis and subcutaneous fat, supported by a porous sponge base housed in a 3D-printed adjustable holder. The model was fabricated using readily available, inexpensive materials to ensure cost-effectiveness and accessibility. Tensile tests were performed using a 3-0 monofilament polypropylene suture, measuring the force required to rupture the artificial skin under uniaxial tension. Additionally, viscoelastic properties were evaluated through standard procedure for Young's modulus determination.

Results indicate that the mechanical behavior of the artificial skin closely matches the tensile strength and viscoelastic properties of human skin. The model provides a realistic and adaptable platform for medical training while remaining affordable and easy to produce. Future work will focus on optimizing the material composition and refining the skin structure for improved biomechanical accuracy and durability in surgical education.

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