Abstract: A system for the high-throughput screening of mechanical properties of cells and/or particles is provided. In certain embodiments the system comprises a first structure comprising a plurality of sample receiving wells; a second structure comprising a plurality of exit ports; a porous structure disposed between said plurality of sample receiving wells and said plurality of exit ports and in communication with said plurality of sample receiving wells and in communication with said plurality of exit ports, and said first structure, said second structure and said porous structure are sealed or configured such that when sufficient pressure is applied to sample receiving wells in said first structure said cells or particles migrate through the porous structure into said exit ports, and wherein the mean or the median pore size of said porous structure is smaller than the mean or median cross-section of a cell or particle that is to be screened.