High-throughput system and method for the temporary permeabilization of cells

A microfluidic device for processing cells comprising:

• a plurality of porous substrates or chips, each porous substrate or chip comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of microchannels disposed in the porous substrate or chip and fluidically coupled to the inlet and the outlet, wherein the inlets of the plurality of porous substrates or chips are configured to receive a solution containing the cells as well as molecules or other cargo to be delivered intracellularly to the cells, each of the plurality of microchannels containing a constriction region therein, wherein the plurality of microchannels including the constriction region each comprise one or more omniphobic, superhydrophilic, or superhydrophobic surfaces having a plurality of sharpened protuberances extending from the one or more surfaces;
• a lubricant that is immiscible with the solution containing the cells disposed in the plurality of porous substrates or chips and forming a lubricant film over the one or more omniphobic, superhydrophilic, or superhydrophobic surfaces;
• and
• wherein respective ends of the sharpened protuberances extend beyond the lubricant and into the respective microchannels in the constriction regions of the plurality of microchannels.