Micro-origami: Micrometer-scale 'Voxels' Folded Up For Drug Delivery

Researchers at USC Information Sciences Institute developed a technique for creating tiny nanosclae containers as small as 30 micrometers on a side that could be used for precise drug delivery. Much like oragami-folded paper, the containers are made by etching off the folded patterns onto thin sheets of polysilicon on top of a thin film of gold, and can be made into varying shapes. The sheets are then coated with permalloy, making them magnetic, making sure not to coat the places that would be later folded. Next, to fold the sheets, a magnetic force is used, followed by water pressure and capillary forces to tightly seal the capsules. This technique produces tightly sealed voxels and allows for easy mass production. It is hoped that this method will provide an efficient way to produce an effective drug delivery system.