Abstract: Abstract：Stem cells transplantation had been proved to be effective in many clinical diseases, however, the microenvironment wherein can influence the growth, migration and differentiation of stem cells. While the chemical microenvironment, such as hypoxia, neural growing factors and different kinds of ions, had been intensively studied, little about the physical microenvironment was presented. Mechanical forces, elasticity and rigidity of the matrix still need further investigation. This article is to summarize how the microenvironment controls the fate of stem cells, and the measurement of the mechanical properties.

Key words: stem cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), mechanotransduction, Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)