Microchip devices for delivery of molecules and methods of fabrication thereof
US6808522B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods of manufacturing microchip devices are provided for controlled release of molecules, such as drugs. Methods include compression molding and casting, alone or in combination with microfabrication techniques. In preferred embodiments, devices are made by (1) filling a die with a polymer powder; (2) compressing the powder to form a polymer preform; (3) thermal compression molding the preform to form a substrate in a mold having a plurality of protrusions that form reservoirs in the substrate; and (4) filling the reservoirs with a release system comprising the molecules to be released. Alternatively, ceramic devices are formed by casting the substrate from a ceramic powder or a slurry using a mold having protrusions that form reservoirs in the substrate. Control over the release rate and time of the molecules from the reservoirs of the microchip device is provided by incorporating release systems and/or reservoir caps.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.