Abstract: A lateral filter array microfluidic (LFAM) device for highly efficient immunoaffinity isolation of target cells from a population of cells. The LFAM device may include of one or more serpentine main channels incorporated with lateral filter arrays. Antibodies are immobilized on the channel surface including the lateral filters and are capable of specific binding to one or more biomolecules on the surface of the target cell. The device may include one or more arrays of lateral filters with different sizes. The overall filters sizes are close to the diameter of the target cell, therefore the interaction between biomarkers on the target cells and corresponding antibodies immobilized on the filter surface is largely strengthened due to the direct contact between target cells and lateral filters. Methods include flowing a population of cells through an antibody-coated LFAM device for target cells capture, followed by washing the device to remove non-specific captured cells.