Innovation in embryology: microfluidics for the biosciences and medicine

Innovations in embryology become reality when technology development and scientific advancement merge together. Metaphorically thinking, in a certain way, this mechanism is similar to the one that allows male gametes and female gametes to form a zygote and later on its development, the embryo. Continuing with this metaphor, our opinion is that technology development and scientific advancement in embryology need to share their nuclear genetic information in order to create diploid offspring: innovations. For this reason, a shared effort from both sides is crucial. This review describes the basic principles, current role and potential of microfluidics technologies for the biosciences and medicine with emphasis on a specific example of a new technology applied to embryology: the CellViewer.