Cell biology and microsystems - what a combination

In medical and biotechnological research and utilization the importance of analyzing single cells or cell groups via non-destructive and contamination-free characterization increases. Special focus should be given on behavior and communication of cell-cell and cell-ECM interactions, especially in the case of cancer and stem cells. Traditional molecular biology techniques need lyses and fixation of cells and enable no observations of living cells. Microsystems give the opportunity to revolutionize analyses. This paper should give a short overview of existing systems combining microtechnology with cell biology research and future perspectives.