The combination of microfabrication-based technologies
with cell biology has laid the foundation for the
development of advanced in vitro diagnostic systems
capable of analyzing cell cultures under physiologically
relevant conditions. In the present review, we address
recent lab-on-a-chip developments for stem cell analysis.
We highlight in particular the tangible advantages of
microfluidic devices to overcome most of the challenges
associated with stem cell identification, expansion and
differentiation, with the greatest advantage being that
lab-on-a-chip technology allows for the precise regulation
of culturing conditions, while simultaneously monitoring
relevant parameters using embedded sensory
systems. State-of-the-art lab-on-a-chip platforms for in
vitro assessment of stem cell cultures are presented and
their potential future applications discussed.