Patent ID: 8206975

Claim:
A method for loading cells into a microfluidic device, comprising: a) providing a microfluidic device comprising: i) an inlet manifold that branches into at least two channels, said two channels comprising a first channel extending from the manifold to a first distal end and a second channel extending from the manifold to a second distal end ii) a plurality of cross-channels, each fluidically connected to the first channel at a first junction between the manifold and first distal end and fluidically connected to the second channel at a second junction between the manifold and second distal end, iii) a first valve in the first channel, positioned between the manifold and the first junction that is closest to the manifold, iv) a second valve in the second channel positioned between the second distal end and a second junction, b) with the first and second valves closed, introducing a cell suspension through the inlet manifold into the second channel, said cross-channels, and the first channel, and c) opening the first and second valves, thereby equalizing the pressure at the first and second junctions of the cross-channels so that cells in the cross-channels are protected from later fluid flushes without the cross-channels being valved off.