Droplet-based microfluidics: an efficient high-throughput portable system for cell encapsulation

One of the goals of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is restoring primary living tissue function by manufacturing a 3D microenvironment. One of the main challenges is protecting implanted non-autologous cells or tissues from the host immune system. Cell encapsulation has emerged as a promising technique for this purpose. It involves entrapping cells in biocompatible and semi-permeable microcarriers made from natural or synthetic polymers that regulate the release of cellular secretions. In recent years, droplet-based microfluidic systems have emerged as powerful tools for cell encapsulation in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These systems offer precise control over droplet size, composition, and functionality, allowing for creating of microenvironments that closely mimic native tissue. Droplet-based microfluidic systems have extensive applications in biotechnology, medical diagnosis, and drug discovery. This review summarises the recent developments in droplet-based microfluidic systems and cell encapsulation techniques, as well as their applications, advantages, and challenges in biology and medicine. The integration of these technologies has the potential to revolutionise tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by providing a precise and controlled microenvironment for cell growth and differentiation. By overcoming the immune system's challenges and enabling the release of cellular secretions, these technologies hold great promise for the future of regenerative medicine.