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;
a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate;
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, operably engaged with or integrated into each reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration, wherein the current distribution means comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of structures for dispersing electrical current uniformly across each reservoir cap, structures for dispersing thermal energy uniformly across each reservoir cap, structures for increasing the exchange current density of each reservoir cap which operates as an electrode, and combinations thereof.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
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.
245 Citations
27 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;
a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate;
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, operably engaged with or integrated into each reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration, wherein the current distribution means comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of structures for dispersing electrical current uniformly across each reservoir cap, structures for dispersing thermal energy uniformly across each reservoir cap, structures for increasing the exchange current density of each reservoir cap which operates as an electrode, and combinations thereof. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprising:
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a substrate;
a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate;
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;
at least one resistor operably adjacent the reservoir caps, wherein the electrical activation means comprises a means for applying an electric current through the resistor effective to cause the reservoir cap disintegration to occur thermally; and
a current distribution means or both a current distribution means and a stress induction means, operably engaged with or integrated into each reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration.
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17. A device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprising:
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a substrate;
a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate;
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 stress induction means operably engaged with or integrated into the reservoir cap, to enhance reservoir cap disintegration, wherein the stress induction means comprises a pre-stressed structure attached to or integrated into the reservoir cap, the pre-stressed structure providing a force substantially perpendicular to the surface of the reservoir cap. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A device for the controlled release of molecules comprising:
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a substrate;
a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate, each reservoir containing drug molecules for release;
a plurality of reservoir caps which comprise a thin metal film, enclosing each reservoir;
an electrical power source for selectively disintegrating each reservoir cap to release of the drug molecules; and
a current distribution network comprising a plurality of traces attached to a surface of the thin metal film of each reservoir cap. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method for enhancing disintegration of a reservoir cap of a microchip device, the method comprising:
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activating an electrical means to initiate disintegration of at least one reservoir cap located in a microchip device which comprises a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs, each reservoir having a reservoir cap positioned thereon, each reservoir containing molecules or secondary devices for controlled release or exposure; and
operating a current distribution means or a stress induction means or both a current distribution means and a stress induction means, operably engaged with or integrated into each reservoir cap, to enhance corrosion, internal stress, or both, of the reservoir cap.
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Specification