Vascularised hydrogels

Researchers have created networks of microchannels in a variety of hydrogels using a micromolding strategy.   Networks of channels enhanced osteogenic cell viability and differentiation in cell-laden micromolded gels.  The channels could be lined with a confluent layer of endothelial cells to create an engineered vasculature.  The hydrogels remained fully perfused. 

Hydrogel Bioprinted Microchannel Networks for Vascularization of Tissue Engineering Constructs; L.E.Bertassoni et al, Lab on a Chip, DOI: 10.1039/C4LC00030G

http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2014/lc/c4lc00030g#!divAbstract

Gene delivery at the bionic interface

Researchers report that intense electrical signals from the electrode array forming the interface between cochlear implant and cochlea stimulate gene delivery by electroporation.  Mesenchymal cells were transfected with genes which generated brain-derived neurotrophic factor stimulating neurite growth and improving neurite-electrode contact.  This more integrated interface could improve hearing dynamic range. 

http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/6/233/233ra54.full

Close-Field Electroporation Gene Delivery Using the Cochlear Implant Electrode Array Enhances the Bionic Ear; J.L.Pinyon et al; Science Translational Medicine; 23 April 2014: 

Vol. 6, Issue 233, p. 233ra54.