Methods for leaving a channel in a polymer layer using a cross-linked polymer plug

• US 9,307,901 B1
• Filed: 06/28/2013
• Issued: 04/12/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Linhardt, Jeffrey George, Liu, Zenghe
• Primary Examiner(s): SELLMAN, CACHET I
• Application Number:
  US13/931,385
• Time in Patent Office: 1,019 Days
• Field of Search: 427/2.12, 600/319
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 3/101 for examining the tear film
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6821 Eye

Abstract

A method may involve forming a cross-linked polymer plug over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the cross-linked polymer plug. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer, which defines a posterior side of an eye-mountable device. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure to provide a partially-fabricated device. The second polymer layer defines an anterior side of the eye-mountable device. The method may also involve soaking the partially-fabricated device in a fluid, such that the cross-linked polymer plug swells out of the partially-fabricated device to leave a channel in the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

forming a cross-linked polymer plug over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the cross-linked polymer plug, wherein the sensor is configured to detect an analyte;

forming a first polymer layer, wherein the first polymer layer defines a posterior side of an eye-mountable device;

positioning the structure on the first polymer layer;

forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure to provide a partially-fabricated device in which the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the cross-linked polymer plug, wherein the second polymer layer defines an anterior side of the eye-mountable device; and

soaking the partially-fabricated device in a fluid, such that the cross-linked polymer plug swells out of the partially-fabricated device to leave a channel in the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein forming a cross-linked polymer plug over a sensor located on a structure comprises injecting a polymerizable mixture over the sensor and curing the polymerizable mixture.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein forming a cross-linked polymer plug over a sensor located on a structure comprises spin coating a polymerizable mixture over the sensor and photopatterning the polymerizable mixture.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cross-linked polymer plug is formed by depositing a monomer, a cross-linking agent and an initiator to a surface of the sensor, and initiating polymerization.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the monomer is a methacrylate monomer having a covalent bond to a side chain, where in the side chain comprises alkylene oxide units or 2-dimethylamino-ethane;

and

the cross-linking agent is poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the monomer is a methacrylate macromonomer derived from the methacrylation of poly(vinylpyridine), poly(allylamine), or chitosan;

and

the cross-linking agent is poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure comprises forming the second polymer layer in a mold comprising a molding piece.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the cross-linked polymer plug is complaint, such that when the molding piece contacts the cross-linked polymer plug during formation of the second layer, the cross-linked plug deforms.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises one or more fluids selected from the group consisting of an aqueous solution and an organic solvent.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises an acid.