Abstract: Described are methods and systems for enhanced dissociation of cells from a solid biological tissue sample. In some embodiments, a self-contained cartridge apparatus includes a first chamber for receiving the tissue sample, enables ultrasonic energy from a transducer assembly of a processing unit to dissociate cells from the sample in the first chamber, and collect viable cells of interest from an aqueous suspension in a second chamber fluidly connected to the first chamber via a channel. In some embodiments, to enhance dissociation of viable cells, a filter device includes a tubular body configured to be telescopically inserted into a container containing the tissue sample in an aqueous fluid. The filter device also includes a cell-filter mesh that covers a bottom opening of the tubular body and that is configured to compress the tissue sample to expel cells from the sample when the filter device is fully inserted into the container.