Microchip devices with improved reservoir opening
First Claim
1. A microchip device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprising:
- a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs;
reservoir contents comprising molecules, a secondary device, or both, located in the reservoirs;
reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs over the reservoir contents;
electrical activation means for disintegrating the reservoir cap to initiate exposure or release of the reservoir contents in selected reservoirs; and
a current distribution means, a stress induction means, or both, operably engaged with or integrated into the reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration.
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Accused Products
Abstract
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.
146 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A microchip device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprising:
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a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs;
reservoir contents comprising molecules, a secondary device, or both, located in the reservoirs;
reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs over the reservoir contents;
electrical activation means for disintegrating the reservoir cap to initiate exposure or release of the reservoir contents in selected reservoirs; and
a current distribution means, a stress induction means, or both, operably engaged with or integrated into the reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 25)
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20. A method for enhancing disintegration of a reservoir cap of a microchip device, the method comprising:
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providing a microchip device comprising a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs;
forming a reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs;
integrating a current distribution means, a stress induction means, or both, into the reservoir cap, or placing said current distribution means, stress induction means, or both into operable engagement with the reservoir cap; and
activating an electrical means to initiate disintegration of the reservoir caps, wherein the current distribution means, a stress induction means, or both, operate to enhance corrosion, internal stress, or both, of the reservoir cap.
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21. A method of enhancing disintegration of a reservoir cap of a microchip device, the method comprising:
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providing a microchip device comprising a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs;
forming thin metal film reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs; and
controlling the structural morphology of the thin metal film during or subsequent to said forming of the thin metal film reservoir caps; and
activating an electrical means to initiate disintegration of the reservoir caps. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification