A new technique developed by Royal Adelaide Hospital burns surgeon could replace the painful skin grafts for burn patients.

The two-stage technique uses a biodegradable synthetic seal that will protect the wound while the new skin is being grown in a laboratory. Traditional skin grafts use large strips of skin from other unharmed areas of the body to use on the burned area. With the new technique, patients only have to donate a 10cm square sample of skin.

And because the technique is cheaper than the traditional methods it has the potential to help burn victims in third world countries.

"If we can get the price low enough you can use it anywhere and that's what I want to leave behind, a legacy of treating burns patients in poor nations," Dr. John Greenwood, who developed the new technique said.

The biodegradable seal is inserted into the burn wound to protect it against infection and ensure the area is open until the new skin is ready to be laid on top.

The new skin promises to be more pliable than current grafted skin.

Wound management expert Professor Stephen Prowse said that Dr. Greenwood's new technique has huge potential beyond treating burn victims. It could also be used to treat people with major open wounds such as leg ulcers.

"The big area in wound treatment is the treatment of complex wounds or chronic ulcers that come from complications with diabetes and vascular problems," said Professor Prowse.