Patent ID: 7378280

Claim:
A method of treating a cell, comprising: (a) providing a microfluidic device comprising: (i) a flow channel comprising a detection region; (ii) a plurality of control channels; and (iii) a pair of storage valves operatively disposed with respect to the flow channel, wherein each storage valve comprises one of the control channels, which control channel is separated from the flow channel by an elastomeric membrane, the elastomeric membrane being deflectable into the flow channel in response to an actuation force applied to the control channel, the two control channels of the storage valves being disposed relative to one another such that deflection of the elastomeric membrane of the respective control channels into the flow channel forms a holding space within the flow channel; (b) introducing a sample containing one or more cells into the flow channel; (c) actuating the storage valves to hold at least one of the cells within the holding space; and (d) contacting the cell or cells within the holding space with a solution containing one or more agents.