In various embodiments, the present invention describes materials and methods for the local reprogramming of cells in a location where the treatment is applied. The invention can be used to replace lost cells or to restore function to tissue damaged due to disease, injury or genetic defect. In various embodiments, the treatment includes a semisolid hydrogel embedded with liposomes. The liposomes can contain an effector molecule or molecules. When phagocytic cells such as monocytes infiltrate the hydrogel, they encounter the liposomes and incorporate the liposomes carrying the effector molecules into the cells. In some embodiments, the effector molecules can be genetic material encoding the expression of specific proteins such as transcription factors, the expression of which can initiate the reprogramming of the cells. In other embodiments, the effector molecules can induce angiogenesis. In other embodiments, the effector molecules are tumor antigens. The matrix can contain other effector molecules designed to attract specific cells to the matrix. The cells can be released from the matrix as the matrix degrades or by active migration from the matrix. The cells can also remain in the matrix and secret molecules such as proteins and hormones that will diffuse through the matrix material to the surrounding tissue.
