Method and apparatus for manipulating single cells and small aggregates thereof

A structure including at least one microwell and a channel, the at least one microwell comprising:

• a dielectric material forming at least one lateral wall that delimits the at least one microwell and extends between an upper end and a lower end, the at least one microwell open at the upper and open at the lower end, the at least one microwell configured to retain a first volume of a liquid and particles contained within the liquid, such that the first volume of the liquid forms a meniscus at one of the upper end and the lower end when retained in the at least one microwell;
• and
• at least two manipulation electrodes within the dielectric material such that each manipulation electrode at least partially defines the at least one lateral wall, the manipulation electrodes able to be powered by electrical voltages so as to produce dielectrophoretic manipulation of particles in the at least one microwell;
• wherein the channel includes an inlet and an outlet and is configured to allow at least a second volume of the liquid to flow from the inlet to the outlet, and wherein an axis extending from the inlet to the outlet, along the direction of liquid flow within the channel, is oriented perpendicularly to a central axis of symmetry of the well, the central axis of symmetry extending from the upper end to the lower end, and wherein the channel is in direct fluid communication with the one of the upper end and the lower end of the at least one microwell that is opposite the end at which the meniscus forms, and wherein the channel is configured such that the liquid may flow directly between the channel and the microwell.