Abstract Droplet-based microfluidics is a technology that precisely manipulates the immiscible fluids in micro-channel structures, so that droplets with well-controlled size and structures can be generated rapidly and consistently. In comparison to the conventional droplet-based cell encapsulation manners, the droplet-based microfluidics enabled novel solution in cell encapsulation. The recent advances in microfluidic-based encapsulation of cells in both droplets and hydrogel particles were reviewed. The current applications of cell-laden hydrogel particles were summarized and an outlook on future directions of the related fields was presented.
