Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell biology have transformed our understanding of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The ability of stem cells to self-renew and differentiate into cell types representative of the three embryonic germ layers have made these cells attractive tools for cell and tissue-based therapies. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) development from somatic cells bypasses the need for embryonic stem cells (ESCs) providing a source of autologous, patient-specific stem cells for personalized cell-based therapies. To that end, novel tissue engineering approaches are needed to move iPSC-based technologies from the laboratory into the clinic.