Device for cell separation and analysis and method of using

A microflow device for separating biomolecules, such as cells, from a sample of a bodily fluid or other liquid, which device comprises:

• a body having a flow path formed therein through which such a sample containing target biomolecules can be caused to flow, the flow path having inlet means, outlet means, and a microchannel arrangement which includes a collection region extending between said inlet and outlet means, which collection region is formed as a cavity in a flat bottom surface of said body and includes a plurality of transverse separator posts that protrude from a base surface of said cavity,
• a flat, rigid closure plate having a top surface that is in abutting contact with said flat bottom surface of said body and closes said flow path cavity,
• said posts being integral with said base surface of said collection region and extending to the top surface of said closure plate,
• said posts being arranged in an irregular pattern extending laterally across said flow path in said collection region so as to interrupt straight-line flow and streamlined flow of liquid through said region, and
• a polymeric sheet wrap encircling said body and said flat rigid plate and pressing same into surface to surface contact with each other to seal said flow path against leakage,
• whereby disruption of streamlined flow throughout said collection region as a result of said irregular pattern of said posts creates effective capture of target biomolecules via sequestering agents attached to said surfaces in said collection region, including said top surface of said flat plate, and
• whereby removal of said wrap, following separation of target biomolecules from such a sample, allows smooth dissociation of said flat rigid closure plate with said biomolecules exposed on said top surface thereof from said body and permits ready microscopic examination and/or analysis of the separated biomolecules.