A microchip for controlled release

摘要

We have developed a solid-state, silicon microchip for controlled release applications. The release mechanism is based on the electrochemical dissolution of thin gold membranes covering reservoirs filled with chemicals in solid, liquid, or gel form. Release is achieved from a particular reservori in saline solution by applying an electric potential between the gold membrane covering that reservoir and a gold cathode. The activation of each reservoir can be controlled individually, allowing complex release profiles to be achieved. This paper will focus on pulsatile release from a microchip device.