Abstract: The sorting device is able to sort biological objects, particularly cells or viruses, in liquids as a function of physically measurable criteria or properties. The sorting apparatus is provided with a feed inlet (1) for the biological liquid which branches into a microstructured system of multi-parallel main channels (3) and sorting modules (4) each with a switch unit for distribution to two different outlet channels (19,20). Inside a sorting module (4), at least one sensor (9,10) is arranged on each main channel, and a sorting actuator (12) controlled by the relevant sensor is arranged on each switch unit (11). Finally, each outlet channel (20) is connected to a collecting channel (6) for the unselected biological cells or viruses, and each outlet channel (19) is connected to a collecting channel (5) for the selected cells or viruses. If the cells or viruses are magnetically marked, it is possible to dispense with the sensor (9,10) on the main channels (3).