Human stem cells, including pluripotent, embryonic and mesenchymal, stem cells play pivotal roles in cell-based therapies. Over the past decades, various methods for expansion and differentiation of stem cells have been developed to satisfy the burgeoning clinical demands. One of the most widely endorsed technologies for producing large cell quantities is using microcarriers (MCs) in bioreactor culture systems. In this review, we focus on microcarriers properties that can manipulate the expansion and fate of stem cells. Here, we provide an overview of commercially available MCs and focus on novel stimulus responsive MCs controlled by temperature, pH and field changes. Different features of MCs including composition, surface coating, morphology, geometry/size, surface functionalization, charge and mechanical properties, and their cellular effects are also highlighted. We then conclude with current challenges and outlook on this promising technology.

人干细胞，包括多能干，胚胎和间充质干细胞，在基于细胞的治疗中起着关键作用。在过去的几十年中，已经开发出多种用于扩增和分化干细胞的方法来满足迅速发展的临床需求。产生大量细胞的最广泛认可的技术之一是在生物反应器培养系统中使用微载体（MC）。在这篇综述中，我们着重于微载体特性，这些特性可以操纵干细胞的扩增和命运。在这里，我们提供了市售MC的概述，并着重于受温度，pH和电场变化控制的新型刺激响应型MC。MC的不同特征，包括成分，表面涂层，形态，几何形状/尺寸，表面功能化，电荷和机械性能，并且它们的细胞效应也得到了强调。然后，我们以这一有前途的技术得出当前的挑战和展望。