Device for controlled reservoir opening with reinforced reservoir caps

Abstract

Device are provided for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprising a substrate; a plurality of reservoirs located in the substrate; reservoir contents comprising molecules, a secondary device, or both, isolated inside the reservoirs; reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs over the reservoir contents, wherein the reservoir caps (which can comprise a metal film) are mechanically reinforced with a second material deposited and patterned on the surface of the metal film inside the reservoir or on the surface of the metal film outside the reservoir or on both of said surfaces; and control circuitry and a power source for disintegrating the reservoir caps to initiate exposure or release of the reservoir contents in selected reservoirs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 159,550, filed May 31, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. ______. U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 159,550 claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 294,818, filed May 31, 2001. All of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to miniaturized devices for the controlled exposure or release of molecules such as drugs and / or secondary devices such as sensors. [0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,898 to Santini Jr., et al. discloses microchip delivery devices which have a plurality, typically hundreds to thousands, of tiny reservoirs in which each reservoir has a reservoir cap positioned on the reservoir over the molecules, so that the chemical molecules (e.g., drugs) are released from the device by diffusion through or upon disintegration of the reservoir caps. The reservoirs may have caps made of a material t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] Microchip devices and methods of manufacture thereof are provided to increase the uniformity and reliability of active exposure and release of microchip reservoir contents. In one embodiment, the microchip device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprises: (1) a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs; (2) reservoir contents comprising molecules, a secondary device, or both, located in the reservoirs; (3) reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs over the reservoir contents; (4) electrical activation means for disintegrating the reservoir cap to initiate exposure or release of the reservoir contents in selected reservoirs; and (5) a current distribution means, a stress induction means, or both, operably engaged with or integrated into the reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration.

Problems solved by technology

Application of an electric potential causes the metal film to oxidize and disintegrate, exposing the contents of the reservoir to the environment at the site of the microchip device.

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