Compact hydraulic manifold structure for shear sensitive fluids

A microfluidic device comprising:

• a first network of channels having a plurality of First Channels, each First Channel having a height in the range of about 50 microns to about 500 microns, a width in the range of about 50 microns to about 1.5 millimeters, and a length in the range of about 3 centimeters to about 20 centimeters;
• a second network of channels having at least one Second Channel complementary to one or more of the First Channels;
• a filtration membrane separating the one or more First Channels from the at least one Second Channel;
• wherein the plurality of First Channels further comprises:
• an input channel forming a primary channel, a plurality of secondary channels, and an outlet channel, wherein the primary channel bifurcates into first and second secondary channels at a first junction, such that a fluid flow rate through the first secondary channel is substantially the same as a fluid flow rate through the second secondary channel, and the total fluid flow rate between the first and second secondary channels is substantially the same as the fluid flow rate through the primary channel;
• a first tertiary channel connecting to the first secondary channel at a second junction located at a first distance along the first secondary channel;
• and
• a second tertiary channel connecting to the first secondary channel at a third junction located at a second distance, greater than the first distance, along the first secondary channel, wherein the first secondary channel and the first and second tertiary channels are configured such that flow of fluid through the first secondary channel beyond the second junction is substantially greater than flow of fluid into the first secondary channel.