Tissue NanoTransfection (TNT) delivers gene codes (DNA or RNA) directly into skin cells in seconds using a nanochip embedded in the skin, transforming them over several days into any desired cell type -- biomolecular engineering at the nanoscale.

The possibilities are limitless, as TNT bypasses the need for stem cell intermediates and removes the possibility of organ rejection (the new cells are from the recipients own body).

Newly created cells can be used in-situ (e.g. surface or blood vessel healing), or transplanted to the desired location (e.g. brain cells for recovery from stroke).

Plans are in progress to refine the technique and move to human trials next year. The research was co-led by Chandran Sen and James Lee of Ohio State University's Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, with a team collaborating across engineering, science, and medicine.


Sources:
[1] The Guardian, Nicola Davis, Nanochip could heal injuries, or regrow organs with one touch, 7 Aug, 2017.
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/aug/07/nanochip-could-heal-injuries-or-regrow-organs-with-one-touch-say-researchers

[2] Ohio State researchers develop regenerative medicine breakthrough.
https://news.osu.edu/news/2017/08/07/regenerative-med-study/

[3] Video / photos (Ohio State University)
http://osuwmc.multimedia-newsroom.com/index.php/2017/08/07/breakthrough-device-heals-wounds-in-lab-tests-with-a-single-touch/

[4] Nature Nanotechnology article,
http://www.nature.com/nnano/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nnano.2017.134.html?foxtrotcallback=true