Could 'cyborg' transplants replace pancreatic tissue damaged by diabetes?
Medical Xpress
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A groundbreaking advancement in diabetes treatment has been unveiled with the development of an electronic implant system that aids in maturing lab-grown pancreatic cells. This innovative approach, created by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University, integrates an ultrathin mesh of conductive wires into growing pancreatic tissue. The system helps these cells function properly, potentially paving the way for cell-based therapies to treat diabetes. By addressing a critical challenge in regenerative medicine—ensuring transplanted cells mature and integrate effectively—the researchers have taken a significant step toward a novel solution for managing the disease.
Currently, type 1 diabetes requires daily insulin injections or an artificial pancreas system, as the body destroys its own insulin-producing cells. While pancreatic islet transplantation offers hope, it is limited by donor shortages and risks of immune rejection. Lab-grown pancreatic cells have shown promise but often fail to mature and function like natural cells after transplantation. The new electronic system addresses this issue by providing a supportive environment for these cells to develop and produce insulin properly.
The
Verticals
healthmedical
Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/19/2026