Microfluidic system for handling biological cells

A method for implementing a handling system for handling biological cells, the handling system comprising:

• n main channels, n being a whole number at least equal to 1, with each main channel comprising an inlet end, an outlet end, and at least on a first portion starting from the inlet end, a transverse section of said each main channel such that a cell circulating in said first portion undergoes mechanical stresses, the transverse section of the main channel being smaller than a transverse section of the cell;
• at least a first detector configured to detect presence of said cell on the inlet end of said each main channel;
• at least one access zone opening into the main channel between the inlet end and the outlet end in said first portion, in order to exert an action on said cell;
• and a device configured to displace said cell for controlling the displacement of the cell between the inlet end and the outlet end, said device being configured in such way that the cell enters into the main channel by the inlet end and exits from the main channel by the outlet end, the method comprising:
• supplying of a solution that contains at least one cell at the inlet end of the main channel;
• displacing of the cell in the main channel;
• detecting of the presence of the cell at the inlet of the main channel;
• determining of at least one property of the cell and optionally the determining of said cell;
• deciding whether to apply an action to the cell;
• if an action is to be applied to the cell, controlling the device configured to displace said cell in order to immobilize the cell at the access zone and controlling the access zone in order to apply an action;
• and
• controlling the device configured to displace said cell in order to bring the cell to the outlet end, wherein
• the handling system comprising at least a second detector between the access zone and the outlet end, and
• a comparison of signals emitted by the at least said first detector and signals emitted by the at least said second detector is carried out in order to detect a modification in at least one property of the cell following the action that has been applied to the cell.