Microfabricated devices for the delivery of molecules into a carrier fluid

• US 20020173745A1
• Filed: 07/15/2002
• Published: 11/21/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Charles E. Hutchinson, Dennis Ausiello, John T. Santini Jr, Michael J. Cima, Robert S. Langer, Scott A. Uhland
• Inventors: Cima, Michael J., Santini, John T. Jr., Ausiello, Dennis, Langer, Robert S., Uhland, Scott A., Hutchinson, Charles E.
• Granted Patent: US 6,537,256 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/67
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 2/52 Adding ingredients adding preservatives A23L2/44
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2/91 made from perforated sheet material or tubes, e.g. perforated by laser cuts or etched holes
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0035 differing in release or diffusion time
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2250/0068 the pharmaceutical product being in a reservoir
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0009 involving or responsive to electricity, magnetism or acoustic waves; Galenical aspects of sonophoresis, iontophoresis, electroporation or electroosmosis microelectromechanical systems A61K9/0097
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0097 Micromachined devices; Microelectromechanical systems [MEMS]; Devices obtained by lithographic treatment of silicon; Devices comprising chips intradermal microneedle arrays A61K9/0021; MEMS in general B81B7/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2300/416 Anti-neoplastic or anti-proliferative or anti-restenosis or anti-angiogenic agents, e.g. paclitaxel, sirolimus
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/14 Materials characterised by their function or physical properties , e.g. injectable or lubricating compositions, shape-memory materials, surface modified materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 31/16 Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances A61L31/047 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0031 by bursting or breaking the package, i.e. without cutting or piercing
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0045 using multiple prepacked dosages on a same carrier, e.g. blisters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/005 the dosages being arranged on a cylindrical surface
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/008 Electronic counters
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0083 Timers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/009 using medicine packages with incorporated spraying means, e.g. aerosol cans pocket atomiser of the injector type A61M11/08
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8225 using incorporated gas cartridges for the driving gas
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1407 Infusion of two or more substances

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided for the delivery of molecules to a site via a carrier fluid. The apparatus include microchip devices which have reservoirs containing the molecules for release. The apparatus and methods provide for active or passive controlled release of the molecules. Embodiments include systems for release of fragrance molecules and beverage additives.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the release of fragrance molecules comprising:

a microchip device having a plurality of reservoirs containing fragrance molecules for release; and

a means for combining the fragrance molecules, following release from one or more reservoirs, with a gaseous carrier fluid.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the reservoirs, when open, wherein the fragrance molecules can be combined with the carrier fluid in the mixing chamber.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the gaseous carrier fluid comprises air.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the reservoirs of the microchip device are covered by reservoir caps which can be selectively ruptured or disintegrated to release the fragrance molecules.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising two or more microchip devices.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein two or more reservoirs each contain different fragrance molecules.

7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the mixing chamber is provided in a console adapted to receive one or more replaceable cartridges, each of which comprises at least one of said microchip devices.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electronic control system in communication with the microchip device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a container operable as a source of carrier fluid.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said container comprises compressed air or another compressed gas.

11. An audio/visual entertainment system comprising the apparatus of claim 1.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the additive molecules are selected from the group consisting of flavoring agents, sweeteners, taste masking agents, and coloring agents.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the carrier fluid comprises carbonated water.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the reservoirs when open, wherein the additive molecules can be combined with the carrier fluid in the mixing chamber.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the reservoirs of the microchip device are covered by reservoir caps which can be selectively ruptured or disintegrated to release the additive molecules.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a container operable as a source of the carrier fluid.

18. A beverage dispensing system comprising the apparatus of claim 12.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the microchip device is integrated into a replaceable cartridge.

12. An apparatus for adding an additive to a beverage comprising:

a microchip device having a plurality of reservoirs containing the additive molecules for release, and

a means for combining the additive molecules, following release from one or more reservoirs, with a liquid carrier fluid comprising a beverage or beverage base.