Electrochemical biosensors for stem cell analysis; applications in diagnostics, differentiation and follow-up

Sophisticated and well-designed tools with the capability of monitoring cellular mechanisms and dynamics are integral to monitoring pathological conditions and anaplastic changes. To date, human stem cells offer unprecedented therapeutic options for the alleviation of several pathologies. Unlike normal stem cells, inside tumor parenchyma tumorigenic stem cells also known as cancer stem cells (CSCs) are progenies that exhibit multipotency and differentiation properties, leading to pervasive cell heterogeneity. Unfortunately, among different cell types that exist inside the tumor niche, a small fraction of total cancer cells belongs to the CSC population. Consequently, the early detection of CSCs is notoriously difficult. Hence, it becomes increasingly important and immediate to discover affordable and accessible frameworks for highly sensitive recognition of multiple stem cell types, especially CSCs. Based on precious features of the electrochemical approaches, this study tried to cover current state-of-the-art advances in electrochemical bioassays for the monitoring and detection of stem cells. • Biological and analytical features of the both normal and cancer stem cells were studied in detail. • The stem cells role in diagnosis and treatment of cancer was comprehensively explained. • Electrochemical genosensing and immunosensing of cancer stem cells clearly presented. • Stem cells differentiation process was significantly explained by electrochemical methods. • Nanomaterials critical role in stem cells analysis was comprehensively assessed.