Importance

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Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for selective release or exposure of reservoir contents, such as a drug formulation or diagnostic reagent, sealed in a reservoir, e.g., a microreservoir. The devices comprise a substrate; one or more reservoirs located in and defined by the substrate; reservoir contents located inside the reservoirs; a reservoir cap or rupturable layer sealing an outlet of the reservoir; and means for disintegrating the reservoir cap or rupturing the rupturable layer; and means for accelerating the release of the reservoir contents from the reservoir through the outlet, or for enhancing diffusional mass transport of a material into or out of the reservoir. The means for accelerating can, for example, include a shape memory material. In a preferred embodiment, the device is adapted for implantation into a human or animal body and comprises an array of several discrete reservoir, each one being individually openable at a desired time.

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First Claim