Bioprocessing of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells for therapeutic use: Current technologies and challenges

•Stirred tank systems coupled with microcarriers are effective for hMSC expansion.•Animal origin-free cell culture media formulation optimization will be required.•Harvest solutions include filtration devices and continuous flow centrifugation.•Specific assays to monitor retention of cellular phenotype and potency are needed.•Scalable, cost-effective solutions are required to meet growing demands.