A theranostic article has one or more specific molecular recognition markers for cells on the surface thereof, wherein the recognition markers are selected from the group consisting of peptides, proteins, antibodies, antigens, aptamers, molecular imprinted polymers and polynucleotides. When the article is implanted in a body, cellular ingrowth is controlled, with desired cell types anchoring and proliferating on the implants surface to generate a thin layer, and thereafter ceasing accumulation. The cellular layer thereby presents a biomimetic surface acceptable to the body, and also presents a low barrier to diffusion of analytes with at least substantially constant diffusion characteristics, allowing use of an analyte sensor within the article.
