Stem Cell Engineering is the application of engineering principles to understanding biological systems, solve biological problems, and ultimately contribute to the translation of new therapeutic approaches to clinical practice. Key technologies, such as novel bioprocesses for the maintenance and expansion of human stem cells, as well as their differentiated progeny, and micro-/nanofabrication to produce tissues-like substitutes, are gaining substantial attention. Other emerging topics include the development of cellular products based on innovative scaffolds for 3D cultivation of stem/progenitor cells, functional human tissue-like substitutes, and controlled-release particles to program the differentiation of stem cells. Furthermore, the development of in vitro tests for toxicity, cell differentiation, genomic stability of expanded cells, and biocompatibility can profit from these scientific and technological advancements. Finally, these technologies should be developed with the objective of being implemented under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions, in order to facilitate their translation to the clinic.

This special issue aims to attract key original contributions related to human stem cell systems, namely, hematopoietic stem/progenitor, mesenchymal stem, vascular progenitor, embryonic stem, and induced pluripotent stem cells. Review articles describing the current state of the art are also encouraged and welcomed.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Methodologies to improve the basic understanding of the fundamental processes that control stem cell activity and their differentiation (Systems Biology and Engineering)
• The design of specific motifs at different length scales to improve cell functionality and physiological responses of engineered cellular constructs (Niche Engineering)
• Controlled-release systems to guide stem cell responses (Niche Engineering)
• Technologies involved in derivation and isolation of stem cells from different sources (Bioprocessing)
• Large-scale bioreactors and processes for the maintenance and expansion of long-term transplantable human stem cells, as well as their differentiated progeny, ensuring their availability for cell-based therapies (Bioprocessing)
• Engineered scaffolds for 3D stem/progenitor cell culture and production of functional human tissue-like substitutes (Cell and Tissue Engineering)