Array of micromolded structures for sorting adherent cells

A method of collecting cells or cell colonies, comprising:

• (a) providing an apparatus comprising
• a substrate formed from an elastomer and having a first surface and an opposed second surface and a plurality of wells formed in the first surface in the form of an array, and
• a plurality of rigid cell carriers, each carrier disposed in one of said wells, said carriers comprising magnetic or ferromagnetic particles and configured to release from said substrate upon mechanical distortion of said substrate;
• (b) depositing a liquid media carrying said cells on said apparatus so that said cells settle on or adhere to said cell carriers;
• (c) releasing at least one selected carrier having said cells thereon by application of gradual mechanical pushing energy to the second surface of the substrate opposite the well in which the at least one selected carrier is disposed until the at least one selected carrier is released;
• and then
• (d) collecting said at least one selected carrier.

A method of collecting cells or cell colonies, comprising:

• (a) providing an apparatus comprising
• a substrate formed from an elastomer and having a first surface and an opposed second surface and a plurality of wells formed in the first surface in the form of an array, and
• a plurality of rigid cell carriers, each carrier disposed in one of said wells, said carriers comprising magnetic or ferromagnetic particles and configured to release from said substrate upon mechanical distortion of said substrate;
• (b) depositing a liquid media carrying said cells on said apparatus so that said cells settle on or adhere to said cell carriers;
• (c) releasing at least one selected carrier having said cells thereon by application of gradual mechanical pushing energy to the second surface of the substrate opposite the well in which the at least one selected carrier is disposed until the at least one selected carrier is released;
• and
• (d) collecting said at least one selected carrier by magnetic attraction using a magnet.