For drug release or physiological sensing with advanced functionality, an implanted device must have an interface that permits passage of drugs or analytes while blocking immunoproteins and other physiological fouling agents. To this end, we have developed a composite membrane which integrates the nanoscale size selectivity of block-copolymers with the mechanical strength and order of micromachined silicon. A silicon wafer was coated with low-stress silicon nitride (LSN) and patterned with squares on the bottom side by photolithography. These squares were etched through the underlying silicon, using the LSN on the top side as an etch-stop. Poly(styrene)-poly(isoprene)-poly(lactide) (PS-PI-PLA) triblock terpolymer was spin-coated onto the top-side LSN surface and annealed under vacuum. The PLA domains self-assembled into cylinders perpendicular to the coating, nearly spanning it. The PLA was etched away, leaving pores in the polymer film. The device was subjected to hydrofluoric acid to remove the LSN capping the microscale pores and a final, brief oxygen plasma etch removed any PS capping the nanoscale pores. The resulting composite membrane consists of a thick PS layer with wide pores overlaying a thick silicon support with wide pores. Preliminary mechanical tests have demonstrated the membrane’s robustness. Such membranes should provide immuno-isolation without retarding small molecule transport and should integrate well with the burgeoning number of BioMEMS devices under development.
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Design Of Medical Devices Conference Abstracts
Development of Nanoporous Ultrathin Membranes For Implantable Drug Delivery
Eric E. Nuxoll,
Eric E. Nuxoll
University of Minnesota
, Minneapolis, MN USA
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Marc A. Hillmyer,
Marc A. Hillmyer
University of Minnesota
, Minneapolis, MN USA
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Ronald A. Siegel
Ronald A. Siegel
University of Minnesota
, Minneapolis, MN USA
Search for other works by this author on:
Eric E. Nuxoll
University of Minnesota
, Minneapolis, MN USA
Marc A. Hillmyer
University of Minnesota
, Minneapolis, MN USA
Ronald A. Siegel
University of Minnesota
, Minneapolis, MN USAJ. Med. Devices. Jun 2008, 2(2): 027561 (1 pages)
Published Online: June 26, 2008
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Published:
June 26, 2008
Citation
Nuxoll, E. E., Hillmyer, M. A., and Siegel, R. A. (June 26, 2008). "Development of Nanoporous Ultrathin Membranes For Implantable Drug Delivery." ASME. J. Med. Devices. June 2008; 2(2): 027561. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2927432
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