Abstract
Microfabricated or microfluidic culture devices are enabling better spatiotemporal control over various signaling components (soluble factors, extracellular matrix, cell-cell contact, etc.) of cellular microenvironment which is not possible by conventional culture systems. Signaling of soluble factors is best characterized among these components owing to the ease with which they can be manipulated in the conventional cultures. Though, microfluidic devices are offering new techniques to control soluble microenvironment, and providing better insights in soluble microenvironment dependent cellular behaviors. This review will focus on some recent microfluidic devices utilized for controlling soluble microenvironment and comment on the future trend of these devices.
