BACKGROUND:Three-dimensional (3D) nanofiber scaffolds are aimed to mimic the physical and chemical signals of stem celsin vivo. 3D nanofiber scaffolds, which are capable to maintain the activity of stem cels, are promising in tissue regeneration and stem celltherapy. OBJECTIVE:To review the synthesis methods for 3D nanofiber scaffolds, and the interactions of stem cels and 3D scaffolds as wel as the current progress of 3D nanofiber scaffolds in tissue engineering. METHODS:Web of Science was searched with key words of “tissue engineering, nanofiber scaffold, stem cellfate” in English for articles relevant to stem celltissue engineering and 3D nanofiber scaffolds. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:3D nanofiber scaffolds can mimic the physical architecture ofin vivo microenvironment due to its nano-scale topology. Chemical modification of scaffolds endows chemical cues to stem cels. Therefore, 3D nanofiber scaffold can be a promising delivery vehicle of stem cels in tissue engineering. Nanofiber scaffolds can be synthesized through self-assembly, sol-gel phase separation, and electric spinning. 3D nanofiber scaffolds have been shown to improve thein vitro proliferation of hematopoietic stem cels, embryonic stem cels, mesenchymal stem cels, and neural stem cels. 3D nanofiber scaffolds with specific topology/chemical properties can induce the differentiation of stem cels into bone, cartilage, nerve, or muscle. 3D nanofiber scaffold which provides a satisfactory microenvironment for stem cellenhance the performance of stem celltherapy.