Advances in Micro- and Nanotechnologies for Stem Cell-Based Translational Applications

Abstract

The application of stem cell-based therapeutics in improving human health is the ultimate anticipated outcome of stem cell research. Yet there exists a recognized lag between laboratory discoveries confirming the potential of stem cells and their actual application in routine clinical care. This lag can be appreciated if we contrast the number of research articles published in the field of stem cells with the number of products used in clinical practice. For example, a search for the keyword “stem cell” found 279,213 publications on PubMed, whereas only five products, all based on hematopoietic stem cells, were approved for therapeutic use by the US Food and Drug Administration [1]. This chapter will provide an overview of emerging technologies applied to help overcome such challenges with a highlight on their potential for clinical applications.