New 'Cyborg' Implant Helps Lab-Grown Pancreatic Cells Mature

The electronic mesh device could provide a basis for novel cell-based therapies for diabetes.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Researchers have developed a new electronic implant system that can help lab-grown pancreatic cells mature and function properly, potentially providing a basis for novel, cell-based therapies for diabetes. The approach incorporates an ultrathin mesh of conductive wires into growing pancreatic tissue, allowing researchers to detect electrical signals from the islet cells and introduce a natural, 24-hour rhythm to prompt the cells to fully develop.

Why it matters

This technology could dramatically expand the supply of new pancreatic tissue for transplants and reduce the risk of rejection, providing new hope for those with Type 1 diabetes who often face long waits for donor organs or islet cells. By helping lab-grown cells mature and function like natural pancreatic tissue, this 'cyborg' implant system represents a significant step forward in cell-based diabetes treatments.

The details

The researchers, from the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University, placed a stretchable mesh - thinner than a human hair - between layers of pancreatic cells, allowing them to record the electrical activity of individual islet cells over two months. They found that exposing the immature cells to a circadian rhythm prompted them to fully develop into their mature, specialized roles, secreting hormones at the right times. The data showed this initial rhythm helped the cells start working in sync as a coordinated team.

  • The study was published today in the journal Science.
  • The researchers have been working on this approach for over two years.

The players

Juan Alvarez

An assistant professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who specializes in growing 3D pancreatic tissue organoids.

Jia Liu

A co-senior author on the study, from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Harvard University, who develops tissue-like electronic implants.

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What they’re saying

“The words 'bionic', 'cybernetic', 'cyborg', all of those apply to the device we've created.”

— Juan Alvarez, Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology (Mirage News)

“What we're doing is like deep stimulation for the pancreas. Just like pacemakers help the heart keep rhythm, controlled electrical pulses can help pancreatic cells develop and function the way they're supposed to.”

— Juan Alvarez, Assistant Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology (Mirage News)

What’s next

The researchers foresee two potential paths forward - using the mesh implant to 'zap' lab-grown islet cells to prepare them for transplant, or leaving the mesh in place to continuously monitor and stimulate the cells to ensure they don't regress. Eventually, they envision an AI-controlled system that could manage the cells without human intervention.

The takeaway

This 'cyborg' implant technology represents a major breakthrough in cell-based therapies for diabetes, potentially expanding the supply of functional pancreatic tissue for transplants and reducing the risk of rejection. By helping lab-grown cells mature and function like natural tissue, this approach could transform the future of diabetes treatment.