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.

1 . A device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprising: 
 a substrate;    a plurality of reservoirs located in the substrate;    reservoir contents isolated inside the reservoirs, wherein the reservoir contents are selected from the group consisting of molecules, secondary devices, and combinations thereof;    reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs over the reservoir contents, wherein the reservoir caps are mechanically reinforced with a second material deposited and patterned on the surface of the reservoir caps inside the reservoir, on the surface of the reservoir caps 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.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir cap comprises a metal film.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second material is electrically conductive and patterned onto the surface of the reservoir cap outside the reservoir.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second material is electrically nonconductive and patterned onto the surface of the reservoir cap outside the reservoir.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second material is electrically conductive and patterned onto the surface of the reservoir cap inside the reservoir.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second material is electrically nonconductive and patterned onto the surface of the reservoir cap inside the reservoir.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second material comprises oxides or nitrides of silicon, titanium, or chromium.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second material comprises carbides, diamond-like materials, photopolymers, or fluoropolymers.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir contents comprise a therapeutic or prophylactic agent.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir contents comprise molecules selected from the group consisting of enzymes, zeolites, proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, polymers, and cells.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir contents comprises a sensor or sensing component.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir contents comprises a biosensor.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the reservoir contents comprises a glucose sensor.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a microprocessor.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14 , further comprising a source of memory, a timer, a demultiplexer.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 1 , which is packaged in a biocompatible material.  
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the biocompatible material is selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol)s, polytetrafluoroethylenes, and titanium.  
   
   
       18 . A device for the controlled release or exposure of molecules or secondary devices comprising: 
 a substrate;    a plurality of reservoirs located in the substrate;    reservoir contents isolated inside the reservoirs, wherein the reservoir contents are selected from the group consisting of drug molecules, sensors, and combinations thereof;    reservoir caps positioned on the reservoirs over the reservoir contents, the reservoir caps comprising a metal film mechanically reinforced with a second material deposited and patterned on the surface of the metal film inside the reservoir, 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.    
   
   
       19 . A method of releasing or exposing reservoir contents in vivo comprising the steps of: 
 implanting the device of  claim 1  into a patient; and    disintegrating the reservoir cap of at least one reservoir to open the selected reservoir and release or expose the reservoir contents therein.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein disintegration of the reservoir cap is controlled by a preprogrammed microprocessor, by remote control, by a signal from a biosensor, or by a combination thereof.  
   
   
       21 . A method of releasing or exposing reservoir contents in vivo comprising the steps of: 
 implanting the device of  claim 18  into a patient; and    disintegrating the reservoir cap of at least one reservoir to open the selected reservoir and release or expose the reservoir contents therein.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein disintegration of the reservoir cap is controlled by a preprogrammed microprocessor, by remote control, by a signal from a biosensor, or by a combination thereof.