Application of Microfluidics in Stem Cell Culture

Abstract

In this chapter, we review the recent developments, including our studies on the micro‐ fabricated devices applicable to stem cell culture. We will focus on the application of plu‐ ripotent stem cells including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. In the first section, we provide a background on microfluidic devices, including their fabri‐ cation technology, characteristics, and the advantages of their application in stem cell cul‐ ture. The second section outlines the use of micropatterning technology in stem cell culture. The use of microwell array technology in stem cell culture is explored in the third section. In the fourth section, we discuss the use of the microfluidic perfusion culture sys‐ tem for stem cell culture, and the last section is a summary of the current state of the art and perspectives of microfluidic technologies in stem cell culture. Keywords: