Multi-channel flowcell

A flow cell unit to be docked against a flat lid surface to form a closed flow cell arrangement, the flow cell unit comprising:

• a top surface with protruding walls of elastic material defining three or more adjacent elongated flow channels, wherein the protruding walls separating adjacent flow channels comprise a valve section of reduced height that allows for selective opening and closing of a transverse flow path that is transverse to the elongated flow channels;
• wherein each flow channel comprises a first fluid port and a second fluid port;
• wherein the selective opening and closing of the transverse flow path is controllable by adjusting a docking force between the protruding walls and the lid surface;
• and
• wherein the valve section in the protruding walls comprises a flat valve face and inclined segments extending from the valve face to a top surface of the protruding walls, and the docking force is configured to position the protruding walls to be in a first position when the valve face is not in sealing contact with the lid surface, thereby providing an open docking state with the transverse flow path open;
• and a second position when the valve face abuts the lid surface, thereby providing a closed docking state with the transverse flow path closed.