Non-invasive, non-destructive, and label-free sensing techniques are required to monitor real-time stem cell differentiation. However, conventional analysis methods, such as immunocytochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot, involve invasive processes and are complicated and time-consuming. Unlike traditional cellular sensing methods, electrochemical and optical sensing techniques allow non-invasive qualitative identification of cellular phenotypes and quantitative analysis of stem cell differentiation. In addition, various nano- and micromaterials with cell-friendly properties can greatly improve the performance of existing sensors. This review focuses on nano- and micromaterials that have been reported to improve sensing capabilities, including sensitivity and selectivity, of biosensors towards target analytes associated with specific stem cell differentiation. The information presented aims to motivate further research into nano-and micromaterials with advantageous properties for developing or improving existing nano-biosensors to achieve the practical evaluation of stem cell differentiation and efficient stem cell-based therapies.
Keywords: biosensing; nano- and micromaterials; stem cell differentiation.