Microcell system for controlled release of fragrances

Abstract

A fragrance delivery system is disclosed in which multiple fragrances can be released on demand. The fragrance delivery system includes multiple microcells, each of which is filled with a fragrance composition. Each of the multiple microcells includes an opening, which is spanned by a porous sealing layer. The fragrance delivery system provides a tool for delivering customizable olfactory effects in the vicinity of the fragrance delivery system. The invention of the present application addresses the need for controlled release of fragrances by providing a delivery system in which fragrances can be released on demand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 295,961, filed on January 3, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, together with all other patents and patent applications disclosed herein.

Background Art

[0002] Background The development of methodologies for the controlled and sustained release of beneficial agents has been highly regarded over the past several decades. This is true for a wide variety of beneficial agents, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, nutrients and related substances for agriculture, cosmetic agents, fragrances, air care agents, biopesticides, fertilizers, and many other beneficial agents in various fields. Controlled and sustained release delivery systems can include the delivery of various beneficial agents in different forms, such as solids, liquids, and gases, to different locations and under different conditions.

[0003] A variety of delivery systems have been developed over the past several decades to provide the delivery of beneficial agents on demand. For example, Chrono Therapeutics (Hayward, CA) has tested a smart transdermal patch enabled by a micropump for the delivery of nicotine. Nevertheless, the corresponding device is large and visible through clothing as a fairly large protrusion. Therefore, there remains a need for a small, simple, inexpensive, versatile, and safe delivery system for delivering beneficial agents on demand. [[ID=z2]]

[0004] Fragrance delivery systems are commercially available. For example, systems for refreshing spaces include materials that absorb fragrances. Such absorbent materials include cotton, gels, and microporous films. These products release fragrances into the space over time. However, delivering more than one fragrance from the same system in a controlled manner is difficult. The inventors of this invention have surprisingly found that a microcell device having a porous layer can deliver multiple fragrances from the same system in a controlled manner, providing a customizable fragrance over a period of time. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Summary of the Invention The present invention addresses the need for controlled release of fragrances by providing a delivery system in which fragrances can be released on demand. In addition, the present invention provides a system for delivering various amounts of fragrances from the same delivery system at controlled rates at different times, and for delivering multiple fragrances from the same delivery system at controlled rates at the same or different times, as described below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the present invention is a fragrance delivery system comprising a backing layer, a microcell layer, a porous sealing layer, and a first release sheet. The microcell layer comprises a plurality of microcells. Each microcell of the plurality of microcells has an opening. The porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of microcells. The porous sealing layer has an average pore diameter, which is 0.2 nm to 1 mm. The porous sealing layer comprises a plurality of sealing slices, each sealing slice being independently removable or shrinkable. The plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of first type microcells, each microcell of the plurality of first type microcells comprises a first fragrance composition having a first fragrance at a first concentration. The first fragrance composition may contain a first aqueous carrier or a first non-aqueous carrier. The first fragrance composition may be a liquid or a gel.

[0007] The multiple microcells may include multiple second-type microcells and multiple third-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the multiple second-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the multiple third-type microcells. The portion of the porous sealing layer that spans the openings of the multiple second-type microcells has a second thickness. The portion of the porous sealing layer that spans the openings of the multiple third-type microcells has a third thickness. The second thickness may be different from the third thickness. The multiple microcells may further include multiple fourth-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the multiple fourth-type microcells. The portion of the porous sealing layer that spans the openings of the multiple fourth-type microcells has a fourth thickness. The fourth thickness may be different from the second and third thicknesses.

[0008] Multiple microcells may include multiple fifth-type microcells and multiple sixth-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the multiple fifth-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the multiple sixth-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the multiple fifth-type microcells may have a fifth average pore diameter. A portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the multiple sixth-type microcells may have a sixth average pore diameter. The fifth average pore diameter may be different from the sixth average pore diameter. Multiple microcells may further include multiple seventh-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the multiple seventh-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the multiple seventh-type microcells may have a seventh average pore diameter. The seventh average pore diameter may be different from the fifth and sixth average pore diameters.

[0009] Multiple microcells may include multiple microcells of an eighth type and multiple microcells of a ninth type. Each microcell of the eighth type may have an eighth volume. Each microcell of the ninth type may have a ninth volume. The eighth volume may be different from the ninth volume. Multiple microcells may further include multiple microcells of a tenth type. Each microcell of the tenth type may have a tenth volume. The tenth volume may be different from the eighth and ninth volumes.

[0010] Multiple microcells may include multiple 11th type microcells and multiple 12th type microcells. Each microcell of the 11th type may have a first fragrance at an 11th concentration. Each microcell of the 12th type may have a first fragrance at a 12th concentration. The 11th concentration may be different from the 12th concentration.

[0011] The multiple microcells may further comprise multiple 13th type microcells. Each microcell of the multiple 13th type microcells comprises a composition of a second fragrance. The second fragrance is different from the first fragrance. The multiple microcells may further comprise multiple 14th type microcells. Each microcell of the multiple 14th type microcells comprises a composition of a third fragrance. The third fragrance is different from the first and second fragrances.

[0012] The release sheet of the fragrance delivery system may include multiple release sheet slices, each of which is independently removable or shrinkable.

[0013] The fragrance delivery system may include a top coating layer. The top coating layer may be positioned between the porous sealing layer and the release sheet. The top coating layer may have an average pore diameter of less than 0.2 nm. The top coating layer may have an average pore diameter greater than 0.2 nm. The average pore diameter of the top coating layer is smaller than the average pore diameter of the porous sealing layer. The top coating layer may include multiple top coating slices, each of which is independently removable or shrinkable.

[0014] The fragrance delivery system may further include an adhesive layer adjacent to the backing layer, the backing layer being positioned between the adhesive layer and the microcell layer.

[0015] The fragrance delivery system may further include a second release sheet adjacent to the adhesive layer, the adhesive layer being positioned between the second release sheet and the backing layer.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for delivering a fragrance from a fragrance delivery system, the fragrance delivery system comprising: (a) a backing layer; (b) a microcell layer comprising a plurality of microcells, each microcell having an opening, the plurality of microcells comprising a plurality of first types of microcells, and each microcell of the plurality of first types comprising a composition of a first fragrance having a first concentration of the first fragrance; (c) a porous sealing layer scanning the openings of the plurality of microcells, the porous sealing layer having an average pore diameter of 0.2 nm to 1 mm, the porous sealing layer comprising a plurality of sealing slices, each sealing slice being independently removable or shrinkable; and (d) a top coating layer. (e) a top coating layer having an average pore diameter greater than 0.1 nm, the top coating layer comprising a plurality of top coating slices, each of which is independently removable or shrinkable; (a) a first release sheet comprising a plurality of release sheet slices, each of which is independently removable or shrinkable; the method comprising (1) removing or shrinking a release sheet or one or more release sheet slices; (2) removing or shrinking a top coating layer or one or more top coating slices; and (3) removing or shrinking a sealing layer or one or more sealing slices.

[0017] A method for delivering fragrance may further include (4) a step of reattaching the sealing layer or one or more sealing slices. A method for delivering fragrance may further include (5) a step of reattaching the top coating layer or one or more top coating slices. A method for delivering fragrance may further include (6) a step of reattaching the release sheet or one or more release sheet slices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A illustrates a side view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention before activation, which is not attached to any surface.

[0019] [Figure 1B] Figure 1A illustrates a side view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention before activation, which is attached to a surface.

[0020] [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention being activated by removing a release sheet or a part of the release sheet.

[0021] [Figure 3A] Figure 3A illustrates a side view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention activated by removing the release sheet.

[0022] [Figure 3B] Figure 3B illustrates a side view and a partial view from above of an example of the activated fragrance delivery system of the present invention. The fragrance delivery system includes two release sheet slices. <000009\7>

[0023] <\ [Figure 4] \ Figure 4 illustrates a side view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention having a partially removed top coating layer.

[0024] [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention having a partially removed sealing layer and top coating layer.

[0025] [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows a side view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention having activated microcells, one microcell being open, one microcell having a removed top coating, and one microcell still having a sealing layer and a top coating layer.

[0026] [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a side view of an example of an unactivated fragrance delivery system of the present invention, which includes a microcell containing a first fragrance and a microcell containing a second fragrance.

[0027] [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a side view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention in an unactivated state, which includes three types of microcells having sealing layers with different average pore sizes.

[0028] [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a side view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention in an unactivated state, which includes three types of microcells having different volumes.

[0029] [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a top view of an example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention, which includes four types of microcells, each containing a different fragrance.

[0030] [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a method for fabricating a microcell for the present invention using a roll-to-roll process.

[0031] [Figure 12AB] Figures 12A and 12B detail the generation of microcells for a fragrance delivery system using photolithography exposure through a photomask of a conductive film coated with a thermosetting precursor.

[0032] [Figure 12CD] Figures 12C and 12D detail an alternative embodiment in which microcells for a fragrance delivery system are fabricated using photolithography. In Figures 12C and 12D, a combination of top and bottom exposure is used, which allows one lateral wall to be cured by exposure of the top photomask and the other lateral wall to be cured by bottom exposure through an opaque base conductive film.

[0033] [Figure 13] Figures 13A–13D illustrate the steps of filling and sealing an array of microcells used in a fragrance delivery system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Detailed explanation The present invention provides a fragrance delivery system that can release fragrances on demand and / or deliver various fragrances from the same system at a controlled rate, providing users with the flexibility to deliver customized olfactory effects. The fragrance delivery system of the present invention may be installed on a surface or attached to it. The fragrance delivery system may be a patch that can be attached to the skin or clothing of a human or animal. The fragrance delivery system may be installed on a surface or attached to it to provide an olfactory effect in a space. The fragrance delivery system may also be suspended in a desired location to provide an olfactory effect.

[0035] As used herein, the term "fragrance" refers to a substance that emits an aroma. A fragrance may be a combination of compounds. The compounds forming the fragrance may be natural or synthetic. In order to provide the desired olfactory effect, a perfume must have some volatility so that it reaches the olfactory receptors in the human nose.

[0036] Typically, the term “perfume” refers to a composition of fragrances(s) and other components. Typically, such compositions also include aqueous or non-aqueous carriers. Hereinafter, the inventors use the term “fragrance composition” to refer to such compositions. Fragrance compositions for various products may include fragrance modulators and other additives that enhance the effects of the fragrance(s). Hereinafter, fragrance modulators and other additives that enhance the effects of the fragrance(s) are classified under the term “fragrance,” even if such components are odorless themselves.

[0037] The "fragrance delivery rate" from the fragrance delivery system of the present invention is the amount of fragrance delivered from the fragrance delivery system per unit time. For example, the delivery rate can be expressed in units of mg per hour.

[0038] A "sealing slice" is a portion of the sealing layer of a fragrance delivery system. The sealing layer of the system may contain multiple sealing slices. A "removable sealing slice" is a portion of the sealing layer that can be completely removed from the fragrance delivery system. A "shrinkable sealing slice" is a portion of the sealing layer that can be completely or partially shrunk from the microcells it seals, resulting in open microcells. In the case of a "shrinkable sealing slice," the slice is not completely removed from the fragrance delivery system.

[0039] A “release sheet slice” is a portion of a first release sheet in a fragrance delivery system. The first release sheet in the system may contain multiple release sheet slices. A “removable release sheet slice” is a portion of a first release sheet that can be completely removed from the fragrance delivery system. A “shrinkable release sheet slice” is a portion of a first release sheet that can be completely or partially shrunken from the microcells located beneath the release sheet slice to yield activated microcells. In the case of a “shrinkable release sheet slice,” the slice is not completely removed from the fragrance delivery system.

[0040] A "top release sheet slice" is a portion of the first release sheet of the fragrance delivery system. The first release sheet of the system may include multiple release sheet slices. A "removable release sheet slice" is a portion of the first release sheet that can be completely removed from the fragrance delivery system. A "shrinkable release sheet slice" is a portion of the first release sheet that can be completely or partially shrunk from the microcells located beneath the release sheet slice to yield activated microcells. In the case of a "shrinkable release sheet slice," the slice is not completely removed from the fragrance delivery system.

[0041] The term "activation of a microcell or set of microcells or multiple microcells" in a fragrance delivery system means that a microcell or set of microcells or multiple microcells is in a state where a detectable amount of perfume(s) in the microcell(s) (or in the set of microcells or multiple microcells) can leave the fragrance delivery system.

[0042] The "adhesion layer" of a fragrance delivery system is a layer that establishes an adhesive connection between two other layers of the system. The adhesion layer may have a thickness of 200 nm to 5 mm, or 1 μm to 100 μm.

[0043] The "porous sealing layer" is a layer in the fragrance delivery system with an average pore diameter larger than 0.2 nm.

[0044] The "top coating layer" is a layer of the fragrance delivery system with an average pore diameter greater than 0.1 nm, and the pore diameter of the top coating layer is smaller than the pore diameter of the porous sealing layer.

[0045] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a fragrance delivery system. The fragrance delivery system comprises a plurality of microcells. Each microcell contains a fragrance composition. Each microcell includes an opening. The maximum dimensions of the microcell opening may be 30 μm to 5 mm, or 30 μm to 500 μm, or 80 μm to 150 μm. A porous sealing layer spans the openings of each of the plurality of microcells. The plurality of microcells may be loaded with different fragrances (or combinations of fragrances), thereby providing a mechanism for delivering different or preferred fragrances as required.

[0046] An example of a fragrance delivery system 100 is shown in Figure 1A. The fragrance delivery system 100 comprises a plurality of microcells 103, each microcell containing a fragrance composition 104. The fragrance composition 104 contains a fragrance 105. Figure 1 shows the fragrance 105 as dark dots in the fragrance composition 104, implicitly indicating that the fragrance 105 is present in a separate phase, although the fragrance 105 may be dissolved (in molecular form) in the fragrance composition medium 104. The fragrance delivery system 100 illustrated in Figure 1A includes a backing layer 101 adjacent to the microcell layer. The fragrance delivery system 100 also includes a sealing layer 106 spanning the openings 103 of the plurality of microcells. The fragrance delivery system 100 may include a top coating layer 107 adjacent to the sealing layer 106. A first release sheet 108 is located adjacent to the top coating layer 107. Removal of the first release sheet 108 activates a plurality of microcells 103. That is, once the first release sheet 108 is removed, the fragrance 105 may leave the microcells 103 and move out of the fragrance delivery system 100. The first release sheet 108 may include a plurality of first release sheet slices (not shown in Figure 1). The plurality of first release sheet slices may be removed or shrunk independently of each other. The presence of removable or shrunk first release sheet slices allows the user to activate some of the microcells and leave others inactive at a given time. The fragrance delivery system 100 includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer 101 adjacent to the second release sheet 118.

[0047] The second release sheet 118 may be removed from the fragrance delivery system 100, and the exposed adhesive layer 102 may be used to firmly adhere the fragrance delivery system to the surface 110, as shown in the fragrance delivery system 150 of Figure 1B.

[0048] Each microcell is part of an array of microcells formed from a polymer matrix, which will be described in more detail below. The backing layer of the fragrance delivery system provides structural support, as well as protection against moisture intrusion and physical interaction. The backing layer may have a thickness of 1 μm to 5 mm, or 25 μm to 300 μm.

[0049] Microcells are defined by walls at least 1 μm high, but these can be higher depending on the desired depth of the microcell. Microcells may be arranged in square, honeycomb, circular, or other configurations.

[0050] The porous sealing layer 106 may be constructed from various natural or non-natural polymers, such as acrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyvinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile, amorphous nylon, oriented polyester, terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyisobutylene, or polystyrene. The porous sealing layer may have a thickness of 500 nm to 3 mm, or 1 μm to 100 μm.

[0051] The present invention further relates to a method for diagnosing a disease in a subject (particularly cancer, or a disease affecting the number or health of T cells), comprising assaying the ability of the subject's cells to bind to a molecule containing an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody that immunospecifically binds to human B7-H4, preferably an embodiment in which such a B7-H4 binding molecule can bind to B7-H4 located on the surface of living cells, and / or an embodiment in which such a B7-H4 binding molecule can bind to endogenous concentrations of B7-H4, and in particular the method is a cytological assay for diagnosing the presence of a disease in a subject. In embodiments of the present invention, for example, the following items are provided. (Item 1) A fragrance delivery system, Backing layer; A microcell layer comprising a plurality of microcells, wherein each of the plurality of microcells has an opening, the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of first types of microcells, and each of the plurality of first types of microcells comprises a composition of the first fragrance having a first concentration of the first fragrance; A porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of microcells, wherein the porous sealing layer has an average pore diameter of 0.2 nm to 1 mm, and the porous sealing layer comprises a plurality of sealing slices, each sealing slice being independently removable or shrinkable; and First release sheet A fragrance delivery system, including a fragrance delivery system. (Item 2) The fragrance delivery system according to item 1, wherein the composition of the first fragrance comprises a first aqueous carrier or a first non-aqueous carrier. (Item 3) The fragrance delivery system according to item 2, wherein the composition of the first fragrance is a liquid or a gel. (Item 4) The fragrance delivery system according to item 1, wherein the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of second type microcells and a plurality of third type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of second type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of third type microcells, the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of second type microcells has a second thickness, and the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of third type microcells has a third thickness, the second thickness being different from the third thickness. (Item 5) The fragrance delivery system according to item 4, wherein the plurality of microcells further comprises a plurality of fourth types of microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of fourth types of microcells, and the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of fourth types of microcells has a fourth thickness, the fourth thickness being different from the second and third thicknesses. (Item 6) The fragrance delivery system according to item 1, wherein the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of fifth type microcells and a plurality of sixth type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of fifth type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of sixth type microcells, the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of fifth type microcells has a fifth average pore diameter, the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of sixth type microcells has a sixth average pore diameter, and the fifth average pore diameter is different from the sixth average pore diameter. (Item 7) The plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of seventh type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of seventh type microcells, the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of seventh type microcells has a seventh average pore diameter, and the seventh average pore diameter is equal to the fifth average pore diameter. A fragrance delivery system according to item 6, wherein the diameter and the average pore diameter of item 6 are different. (Item 8) The fragrance delivery system according to item 1, wherein the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of eighth type microcells and a plurality of ninth type microcells, each microcell of the eighth type microcell having an eighth volume, each microcell of the ninth type microcell having a ninth volume, and the eighth volume being different from the ninth volume. (Item 9) The fragrance delivery system according to item 8, wherein the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of 10 types of microcells, each of the 10 types of microcells having a 10th volume, the 10th volume being different from the 8th volume and the 9th volume. (Item 10) The fragrance delivery system according to item 1, wherein the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of 11th type microcells and a plurality of 12th type microcells, each microcell of the 11th type microcells having the first fragrance at an 11th concentration, and each microcell of the 12th type microcells having the first fragrance at a 12th concentration, with the 11th concentration being different from the 12th concentration. (Item 11) The fragrance delivery system according to item 1, wherein the plurality of microcells further comprises a plurality of 13 types of microcells, each of the plurality of 13 types of microcells comprises a composition of a second fragrance, the second fragrance being different from the first fragrance. (Item 12) The fragrance delivery system according to item 11, wherein the plurality of microcells further comprises a plurality of 14 types of microcells, each of the plurality of 14 types of microcells comprises a composition of a third fragrance, the third fragrance being different from the first fragrance and the second fragrance. (Item 13) The fragrance delivery system according to item 1, wherein the release sheet comprises a plurality of release sheet slices, each release sheet slice being independently removable or shrinkable. (Item 14) A fragrance delivery system according to item 1, further comprising a top coating layer, wherein the top coating layer is disposed between the porous sealing layer and the release sheet, the top coating layer has a top coating layer pore diameter, the average pore diameter of the top coating layer is greater than 0.1 nm, the average pore diameter of the top coating is smaller than the average pore diameter of the porous sealing layer, and the top coating layer comprises a plurality of top coating slices, each of which is independently removable or shrinkable. (Item 15) The fragrance delivery system according to item 1, further comprising an adhesive layer adjacent to the backing layer, wherein the backing layer is disposed between the adhesive layer and the microcell layer. (Item 16) The fragrance delivery system according to item 15, further comprising a second release sheet adjacent to the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed between the second release sheet and the backing layer. (Item 17) A method for delivering fragrance from a fragrance delivery system, wherein the fragrance delivery system is (a) backing layer; (b) microcell layer comprising a plurality of microcells, wherein each of the plurality of microcells has an opening, the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of first types of microcells, and each of the plurality of first types of microcells comprises a composition of the first fragrance having a first concentration of the first fragrance; (c) porous sealing layer scanning the openings of the plurality of microcells (d) A porous sealing layer having an average pore diameter of 0.2 nm to 1 mm, wherein the porous sealing layer comprises a plurality of sealing slices, each sealing slice being independently removable or shrinkable; (d) A top coating layer having an average pore diameter of less than 0.2 nm, wherein the top coating layer comprises a plurality of top coating slices, each top coating slice being independently removable or shrinkable; (e) A first release sheet comprising a plurality of release sheet slices, each release sheet slice being independently removable or shrinkable, wherein the method is (1) Remove or shrink the release sheet or one or more release sheet slices; (2) Removing or shrinking the top coating layer or one or more top coating slices; and (3) Remove or shrink the sealing layer or one or more sealing slices. Methods that include... (Item 18) (4) A method for delivering fragrance according to item 17, further comprising the step of reattaching the sealing layer or one or more sealing slices. (Item 19) (5) A method for delivering fragrance according to item 18, further comprising the step of reattaching the top coating layer or one or more top coating slices. (Item 20) (6) A method for delivering fragrance according to item 19, further comprising the step of reattaching the release sheet or one or more slices of release sheet.

[0052] Complete removal of the first release sheet 108 from the fragrance delivery system 200 in Figure 2 results in the fully activated fragrance delivery system 300 shown in Figure 3A.

[0053] The fragrance delivery system of the present invention may include a first release sheet comprising a plurality of release sheet slices. Each release sheet slice may be independently removable or shrinkable. This allows the user of the fragrance delivery system to activate some, but not all, of the microcells of the fragrance delivery system. The lower portion of Figure 3B illustrates a side view of the fragrance delivery system 350 attached to a surface 110. The fragrance delivery system 350 comprises an adhesive layer 102, a backing layer 101, a microcell layer comprising a plurality of microcells 105, a porous sealing layer 106, and a top coating layer 107. The fragrance delivery system 350 also includes two release sheet slices 308a and 308b. That is, a certain number of release sheet slices of the fragrance delivery system 350 are removed to activate the corresponding microcells. However, the fragrance delivery system 350 still includes the two release sheet slices 308a and 308b. The microcells located beneath the two release sheet slices 308a and 308b are not activated and may be activated in the future. The upper portion of Figure 3B illustrates a partial top view of a portion of the fragrance delivery system. This shows multiple microcells 105, as well as release sheet slices 308a and 308b. The microcells located beneath the release sheet slices 308a and 308b are not yet activated. Microcells located between these unactivated microcells are activated because these microcells do not have release sheet slices above them.

[0054] Figure 4 illustrates a fragrance delivery system 400 comprising an adhesive layer 402, a backing layer 401, a microcell layer containing multiple microcells, a porous sealing layer 406, and a top coating layer 407. Both the porous sealing layer 406 and the top coating layer 407 are permeable to fragrance molecules 405. That is, fragrance molecules 405 can travel through the porous sealing layer 406 and the top coating layer 407 and be delivered from the fragrance delivery system 400 to provide an olfactory effect in the nearby space. The average pore size of the top coating layer 407 is smaller than the average pore size of the sealing layer 408. The first release sheet of the system has been removed. Thus, all microcells in the fragrance delivery system 400 are activated. Furthermore, the top coating layer 407 has also been partially shrunk. Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the system showing three microcells 403a, 403b, and 403c. The structure of the fragrance delivery system 400, as well as the arrangement of the porous sealing layer 406 and the top coating layer 407, contribute to the different release profiles from microcells 403a and 403b. Specifically, assuming that all three microcells contain the same fragrance composition, fragrance molecules 405 in microcell 403a, which is covered only by the porous sealing layer 406, are delivered at a higher rate than fragrance molecules 405 in microcells 403b and 403c, which are covered by both the porous sealing layer 406 and the top coating layer 406.

[0055] Figure 5 illustrates a fragrance delivery system 500 comprising an adhesive layer 502, a backing layer 501, a microcell layer containing multiple microcells, a porous sealing layer 506, and a top coating layer 507. Both the porous sealing layer 506 and the top coating layer 507 are permeable to fragrance molecules 505. That is, fragrance molecules 505 can travel through the porous sealing layer 506 and the top coating layer 507 and be delivered from the fragrance delivery system 500 to provide an olfactory effect in the nearby space. The average pore size of the top coating layer 507 is smaller than the average pore size of the sealing layer 508. The first release sheet of the system has been removed. Thus, all microcells in the fragrance delivery system 500 are activated. Furthermore, the top coating layer 507 and the porous sealing layer are also partially shrunk. Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the system showing three microcells 503a, 503b, and 503c. Microcell 503a is open. In other words, there is no porous sealing layer spanning the opening of microcell 503a. Therefore, the fragrance does not need to travel through a porous sealing layer to exit the fragrance delivery system, and thus the fragrance contained in microcell 503a can be delivered from microcell 503a at a high delivery rate. In contrast, the delivery rate of fragrance 505 from microcells 503b and 503c is lower than the delivery rate from microcell 503a.

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates a fragrance delivery system 600 comprising an adhesive layer 602, a backing layer 601, a microcell layer containing multiple microcells, a porous sealing layer 606, and a top coating layer 607. Both the porous sealing layer 606 and the top coating layer 607 are permeable to fragrance molecules 605. That is, fragrance molecules 605 can travel through the porous sealing layer 606 and the top coating layer 607 and be delivered from the fragrance delivery system 600 to provide an olfactory effect in the nearby space. The average pore size of the top coating layer 607 is smaller than the average pore size of the sealing layer 608. The first release sheet of the system has been removed. Thus, all microcells in the fragrance delivery system 600 are activated. Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the system showing three microcells 603a, 603b, and 603c containing the same fragrance composition 606. The top coating layer 607 and the porous sealing layer have been partially shrunk. As a result of partial shrinkage of the top coating layer 607 and the porous sealing layer, microcell 603a is open, and microcell 603b is covered by the porous sealing layer 606. This means that the rate of delivery of fragrance 605 from microcell 603a is higher than the rate of delivery of fragrance 605 from microcell 603b, and the rate of delivery of fragrance 605 from microcell 603b is higher than the rate of delivery of fragrance 605 from microcell 603c. Microcell 603a is open; that is, there is no porous sealing layer spanning the opening of microcell 603a. Therefore, the fragrance contained in microcell 603a can be delivered from microcell 603a at a high delivery rate, as the fragrance does not need to move through the porous sealing layer to exit the fragrance delivery system. In contrast, the rate of delivery of fragrance 605 from microcells 603b and 603c is lower than the rate of delivery from microcell 603a.

[0057] The fragrance delivery system of the present invention may include different types of microcells, each type of microcell containing a different fragrance composition. An example of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention is shown in Figure 7. The fragrance delivery system 700 includes an adhesive layer 702, a backing layer 701, a microcell layer containing a plurality of microcells 703, a porous sealing layer 706, a top coating layer 707, and a first release sheet 708. Figure 7 shows a partial side view of the fragrance delivery system 700 having microcells of a first type 703a and a second type 703b. The first type microcell 703a contains a first fragrance composition containing fragrance 705, and the second type microcell 703b contains a second fragrance composition containing fragrance 715, wherein fragrance 705 is different from fragrance 715. The fragrance delivery system may further include a third type of microcell containing a third fragrance composition comprising fragrance F, wherein fragrance F is different from 705 and 715.

[0058] The fragrance delivery system of the present invention may include different types of microcells, each type of microcell containing a different fragrance composition. For example, the fragrance delivery system of the present invention may include a first type of microcell containing a composition of fragrance A at concentration C1, and a second type of microcell containing a composition of fragrance A at concentration C2, where C1 is different from C2. The fragrance delivery system may also include a third type of microcell containing a composition of fragrance A at concentration C3, where C3 is different from C1 and C2.

[0059] The fragrance delivery system of the present invention comprises a plurality of microcells. Each microcell contains a fragrance composition. The fragrance composition comprises a fragrance or a combination of fragrances. The fragrance composition may further contain a carrier. The fragrance may be dissolved or dispersed in the carrier. The carrier may be aqueous or non-aqueous. The carrier may be water, and optionally include a buffer, an organic compound, a combination of organic compounds, or a combination of water and one or more organic compounds. The organic compound may be an alcohol, ester, amide, ether, carboxylic acid, or other organic compound. The organic compound may be an organic solvent. Non-limiting examples of organic solvents that can be used include DMSO, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, triethyl citrate, ethylene carbonate, and dimethyl carbonate.

[0060] The carrier content in the fragrance composition may be 0.01% to 99% by weight, or 0.1% to 95% by weight, or 1% to 90% by weight, or 5% to 85% by weight, based on the weight of the fragrance composition. The fragrance composition may also contain polymer materials. For example, the fragrance composition may contain fragrance dispersed in a polymer material.

[0061] The fragrance composition may contain carriers in amounts of 1 to 99.99 weight percent, 5 to 98 weight percent, 10 to 97 weight percent, 25 to 95 weight percent, 30 to 92 weight percent, or 40 to 90 weight percent of the weight of the fragrance composition. The fragrance composition may also contain carriers in amounts of more than 10 weight percent, 20 weight percent, 30 weight percent, 40 weight percent, 50 weight percent, 60 weight percent, 70 weight percent, 80 weight percent, 90 weight percent, 95 weight percent, 98 weight percent, 99 weight percent, 99.5 weight percent, or 99.9 weight percent of the fragrance composition.

[0062] The fragrance composition may be a liquid. The fragrance composition may be a gel. The same fragrance delivery system may have a first type of microcell containing a liquid composition and a second type of microcell containing a gel composition. The first type of microcell may contain a different fragrance or a different combination of fragrances than the second type of microcell. The first type of microcell may contain the same fragrance or the same combination of fragrances. The form of the composition in the microcell (aqueous liquid, non-aqueous liquid, gel) may affect the rate of delivery of the corresponding fragrance from the system, especially in the case of open microcells (without a porous sealing layer, top coating layer, or release sheet).

[0063] The fragrance delivery system of the present invention may include a plurality of microcells. Each of the plurality of microcells has an opening. Each of the plurality of microcells contains a fragrance composition. The fragrance delivery system includes a porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of microcells, and the plurality of microcells includes a plurality of second-type microcells and a plurality of third-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of second-type microcells has a second thickness, and a portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of third-type microcells has a third thickness. The second thickness is greater than the third thickness. If the average pore size of the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of second-type microcells is the same as that of the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of third-type microcells, the rate of fragrance delivery from the second-type microcells is lower than the rate of fragrance delivery from the third-type microcells due to the thicker portion of the porous sealing layer of the second-type microcells. Multiple microcells may further comprise multiple fourth-type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple fourth-type microcells has a fourth thickness. The third thickness is greater than the fourth thickness. If the average pore size of the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple fourth-type microcells is the same as that of the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple third-type microcells and the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple second-type microcells, the rate of fragrance delivery from the third-type microcells is lower than that of fragrance delivery from the fourth-type microcells, due to the thicker portion of the porous sealing layer in the multiple third-type microcells.

[0064] The fragrance delivery system of the present invention may include a plurality of microcells. Each of the plurality of microcells has an opening. Each of the plurality of microcells contains a fragrance composition. The fragrance delivery system includes a porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of microcells, and the plurality of microcells includes a plurality of fifth type microcells and a plurality of sixth type microcells. A portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of fifth type microcells has a fifth average pore diameter, and a portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of sixth type microcells has a sixth average pore diameter. The fifth average pore diameter is smaller than the sixth average pore diameter. If the thickness of a portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple fifth-type microcells is the same as the thickness of a portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple sixth-type microcells, the rate of fragrance delivery from the fifth-type microcells is lower than the rate of fragrance delivery from the sixth-type microcells due to the smaller average pore diameter of the porous sealing layer of the fifth-type microcells. The multiple microcells may further include multiple seventh-type microcells. The portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple seventh-type microcells has a seventh-type average pore diameter. The sixth-type average pore diameter is smaller than the seventh-type average pore diameter. If the thickness of a portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple sixth-type microcells is the same as that of a portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple sixth-type microcells and a portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of multiple fifth-type microcells, the rate of fragrance delivery from the sixth-type microcells will be lower than that of fragrance delivery from the seventh-type microcells, due to the lower average pore size of the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the multiple sixth-type microcells.

[0065] Figure 8 illustrates a partial side view of a fragrance delivery system 800, which includes an adhesive layer 802, a backing layer 801, a microcell layer containing multiple microcells with the same fragrance composition 804, a porous sealing layer 806, a top coating layer 807, and a first release sheet 808. Both the porous sealing layer 806 and the top coating layer 807 are permeable to fragrance molecules 805. That is, fragrance molecules 805 can travel through the porous sealing layer 806 and the top coating layer 807 and be delivered from the fragrance delivery system 800 to provide an olfactory effect in the nearby space. The openings of the three microcells 803a, 803b, and 803c of the fragrance delivery system 800 are sealed by the porous sealing layer 806. The portions 806a, 806b, and 806c of the sealing layer, which span the openings of microcells 803a, 803b, and 803c respectively, have the same thickness but different average pore diameters. The average pore diameter of portion 806a is smaller than that of portion 806b, and the average pore diameter of portion 806b is smaller than that of portion 806c. Due to the different average pore diameters of portions 806a, 806b, and 806c of the sealing layer 806, the rate of fragrance delivery from microcell 803a is lower than that from microcell 803b, and the rate of fragrance delivery from microcell 803b is lower than that from microcell 803c.

[0066] Different porosity of the sealing layer in different microcells can be achieved by using different polymer materials and microinjection, for example, by using inkjet during the sealing process. Such a system allows a single delivery system to administer the same or different fragrances at various concentrations over a period of time. For example, the system of the present invention may include three types of microcells having three different concentrations of fragrance. However, the administration time can be controlled by the porosity of the sealing layer.

[0067] Another feature of the fragrance delivery system of the present invention, which can be used to influence fragrance delivery and olfactory effects in the surrounding space, is the microcell volume. The fragrance delivery system of the present invention comprises a plurality of microcells. The plurality of microcells may include a plurality of eighth type microcells and a plurality of ninth type microcells. Each microcell of the eighth type microcell has an eighth volume. Each microcell of the ninth type microcell has a ninth volume. The eighth volume is greater than the ninth volume. By designing a system having a plurality of different types of microcells with varying microcell volumes, the amount of fragrance composition in the microcells can be controlled. Thus, the depletion time and / or duration of fragrance in a microcell, which is related to the depletion time and / or duration of fragrance in another microcell, provides another tool for customizing the olfactory effect of the system.

[0068] Each microcell in a plurality of microcells may have a volume greater than 0.01 nL, greater than 0.05 nL, greater than 0.1 nL, greater than 1 nL, greater than 10 nL, greater than 100 nL, greater than 1 μL, or greater than 10 μL.

[0069] Microcells with different volumes are achieved by forming microcells with different depths. Variable microcell depths can be constructed by increasing the amount of polymer at the bottom of the microcell. This is easily achieved by using a mold with the desired depth and the embossing technique described below. In other examples, the width of a microcell can be greater or smaller depending on the volume of the fragrance-containing solution to be placed inside a given microcell.

[0070] Figure 9 illustrates a partial side view of a fragrance delivery system 900, which includes an adhesive layer 902, a backing layer 901, a microcell layer containing multiple microcells with the same fragrance composition 904, a porous sealing layer 906, a top coating layer 907, and a first release sheet 908. Both the porous sealing layer 906 and the top coating layer 907 are permeable to fragrance molecules 905. That is, fragrance molecules 905 can travel through the porous sealing layer 906 and the top coating layer 907 and be delivered from the fragrance delivery system 900 to provide an olfactory effect in the nearby space. The microcell layer of the fragrance delivery system 900 includes microcells 903a, 903b, and 903c. As shown in Figure 9, the volume of microcell 903a is greater than the volume of microcell 903b, and the volume of microcell 903b is greater than the volume of microcell 903c. If microcells 903a, 903b, and 903c contain the same fragrance composition, similar activation of the three microcells over the same period will result in the depletion of fragrance in microcell 903c faster than the depletion of fragrance from microcells 903a and 903b.

[0071] The fragrance delivery system of the present invention may include many types of microcells. Each type of microcell may contain a different fragrance. For example, Figure 10 illustrates a fragrance delivery system 1000 having a plurality of four types of microcells 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004 containing fragrance compositions, the fragrance compositions containing fragrance 1, fragrance 2, fragrance 3, and fragrance 4, respectively. This feature allows for the design of sophisticated systems that can provide complex and customized olfactory effects. The arrangement of different microcell types does not have to be uniformly distributed in the system. Rather, the microcells may be filled in groups, which makes filling and sealing easier. In other embodiments, smaller microcell arrays may be filled with the same medium, i.e., a medium having the same fragrance at the same concentration, and the smaller arrays are then assembled into larger arrays to create the delivery system of the present invention.

[0072] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for delivering fragrance from a fragrance delivery system. The fragrance delivery system includes: (a) a backing layer; (b) a microcell layer comprising a plurality of microcells, each microcell having an opening, and comprising a plurality of first type microcells, each microcell comprising a first fragrance composition having a first fragrance at a first concentration; (c) a porous sealing layer scanning the openings of the plurality of microcells, wherein the porous sealing layer has an average pore diameter of 0.2 nm to 1 mm, and comprises a plurality of sealing slices, each sealing slice being independently removable or shrinkable; (d) a top coating layer, wherein the top coating layer has an average pore diameter of less than 0.2 nm, and comprises a plurality of top coating slices, each top coating slice being independently removable or shrinkable; and (e) a first release sheet comprising a plurality of release sheet slices, each release sheet slice being independently removable or shrinkable.

[0073] A method for delivering fragrance includes (1) removing or shrinking a release sheet or one or more release sheet slices; (2) removing or shrinking a top coating layer or one or more top coating slices; and (3) removing or shrinking a sealing layer or one or more sealing slices.

[0074] The method for delivering the fragrance may further include the step of (4) reattaching the sealing layer or one or more sealing slices.

[0075] The method for delivering the fragrance may further include the step of (5) reattaching the top coating layer or one or more top coating slices.

[0076] The method for delivering the fragrance may further include the step of (6) reattaching the release sheet or one or more slices of the release sheet.

[0077] Techniques for constructing microcells. Microcells can be formed by either a batch process or a continuous roll-to-roll process disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,933,098. The latter provides a continuous, low-cost, high-throughput manufacturing technique for generating compartments for use in various applications, including fragrance delivery and electrophoretic displays. A microcell array suitable for use according to the present invention can be produced using micro-embossing, as shown in Figure 11. The male mold 1100 can be placed either on or below the web 1104 (not shown), as shown in Figure 11, but alternative placements are possible. See U.S. Patent No. 7,715,088, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A conductive substrate may be constructed by forming a conductive film 1101 on a polymer substrate that will be the backing of the device. A composition 1102 comprising a thermoplastic, thermosetting, or precursor thereof is then coated onto the conductive film. The thermoplastic or thermosetting precursor layer is embossed by a male die in the shape of a roller, plate, or belt at a temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic or thermosetting precursor layer.

[0078] Thermoplastic or thermosetting precursors for the preparation of microcells may include polyfunctional acrylates or methacrylates, vinyl ethers, epoxides, and their oligomers or polymers. Combinations of polyfunctional epoxides and polyfunctional acrylates are also very useful for achieving desired physical and mechanical properties. Crosslinkable oligomers that impart flexibility, such as urethane acrylates or polyester acrylates, may be added to improve the deflection resistance of embossed microcells. The composition may contain polymers, oligomers, monomers and additives, or it may contain only oligomers, monomers and additives. Glass transition temperature (or T) for this class of materials. g The operating temperature is typically in the range of about -70°C to about 150°C, preferably about -20°C to about 50°C. The micro-embossing process is typically T g This is performed at a higher temperature. The temperature and pressure of the micro-embossing process can be controlled using a heated male mold or a heated substrate (on which the male mold is pressed).

[0079] As shown in Figure 11, the mold is removed while the precursor layer is curing and the array of microcells 1103 is appearing or afterward. Curing of the precursor layer can be achieved by cooling, solvent evaporation, crosslinking by irradiation, heat, or moisture. If curing of the thermosetting precursor is achieved by UV irradiation, UV can be irradiated onto a transparent conductive film from the bottom or top of the web, as shown in two figures. Alternatively, a UV lamp can be placed inside the mold. In this case, the mold must be transparent so that UV light can be irradiated through a pre-patterned male mold on the thermosetting precursor layer. The male mold may be prepared by any suitable method, e.g., a diamond turning process or a photoresist process followed by etching or electroplating. A master template for the male mold may be manufactured by any suitable method, e.g., electroplating. By electroplating, the glass base is sputtered with a thin layer (typically 3000 Å) of a seed metal such as chromium inconel. The mold is then coated with a layer of photoresist and exposed to UV. A mask is placed between the UV light and the photoresist layer. The exposed areas of the photoresist become cured. The unexposed areas are then removed by washing them with a suitable solvent. The remaining cured photoresist is dried and sputtered again using a thin layer of seed metal. The master is then ready for electroforming. A typical material used for electroforming is nickel-cobalt. Alternatively, the master can be made from nickel by electroforming or electroless nickel plating. The mold bed is typically about 50-400 microns. The master can be made using other microengineering techniques, including e-beam lighting, dry etching, chemical etching, laser lighting, or laser interference, as described in "Replication techniques for micro-optics", SPIE Proc. Vol. 3099, pp. 76-82 (1997). Alternatively, the mold can be made by photomachining using plastic, ceramic, or metal.

[0080] Before applying the UV-curable resin composition, the mold may be treated with a release agent to assist in the demolding process. The UV-curable resin may be degassed before dispensing and may contain a solvent if necessary. The solvent, if present, evaporates readily. The UV-curable resin is distributed onto the male mold by any suitable means, such as coating, dipping, or injection. The dispenser may be movable or fixed. The conductive film is covered with the UV-curable resin. If necessary, pressure may be applied to ensure proper bonding between the resin and the plastic and to control the thickness of the microcell floor. Pressure may be applied using lamination rollers, vacuum forming, a pressing device, or any other similar means. If the male mold is metal and impermeable, the plastic substrate is typically permeable to the chemical rays used to cure the resin. Conversely, the male mold may be permeable and the plastic substrate may be impermeable to the chemical rays. In order to obtain good movement of the molded features on the moving sheet, the conductive film must have good adhesion to the UV-curable resin, and it must also have good release properties from the mold surface.

[0081] Photolithography. Microcells can also be produced using photolithography. A photolithography process for manufacturing a microcell array is illustrated in Figures 12A and 12B. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, a microcell array 1204 may be prepared by exposing a radiation-curable material 1201a, coated on a conductive electrode film 1202 by a known method, to UV light (or other alternative forms such as radiation, electron beam, etc.) through a mask 1206 to form walls 1201b corresponding to the image projected through the mask 1206. The base conductive film 1202 is preferably placed on a support substrate base web 1203, which may contain a plastic material.

[0082] In the photomask 1206 in Figure 12A, the dark squares 124 represent non-transparent regions, and the spaces between the dark squares represent the transmissive regions 1205 of the mask 1206. UV light is irradiated onto the radiation-curable material 1201a through the transmissive regions 1205. Exposure is preferably performed directly onto the radiation-curable material 1201a, i.e., the UV light does not pass through the substrate 1203 or the base conductor 1202 (top exposure). For this reason, neither the substrate 1203 nor the conductor 1202 needs to be transparent to the wavelength of UV or other radiation used.

[0083] As shown in Figure 12B, the exposed area 1201b is cured, and then the unexposed area (protected by the non-transparent area 1204 of the mask 1206) is removed with a suitable solvent or developer to form a microcell 1207. The solvent or developer is selected from those commonly used to dissolve radiation-curable materials or reduce their viscosity, such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), toluene, acetone, or isopropanol. The preparation of the microcell can also be achieved by placing a photomask at the bottom of a conductive film / substrate support web, in which case UV light is irradiated from the bottom through the photomask, and the substrate needs to be transparent to radiation.

[0084] Imagewise exposure. Yet another alternative method for preparing the microcell array of the present invention by imagewise exposure is illustrated in Figures 12C and 12D. When opaque conductor wires are used, the conductor wires can be used as a photomask for exposure from the bottom. Durable microcell walls are formed by additional exposure from the top through a second photomask having opaque lines perpendicular to the conductor wires. Figure 12C illustrates the use of the principle of both top and bottom exposure to produce the microcell array 1200 of the present invention. The base conductor film 1202 is opaque and has a linear pattern. The radiation-curable material 1201a coated on the base conductor 1202 and substrate 1203 is exposed from the bottom through the conductor wire pattern 1202, which acts as a first photomask. The second exposure is performed from the "top" side through a second photomask 1206, which has a linear pattern perpendicular to the conductor wires 1202. The space 1205 between the lines 1204 is substantially transparent to UV light. In this process, the wall material 1201b is cured from bottom to top in one lateral direction and from top to bottom in the vertical direction, connecting to form an integrated microcell 1207. As shown in Figure 12D, the unexposed areas are then removed with the solvent or developer described above to reveal the microcell 1207.

[0085] Microcells may be constructed from thermoplastic elastomers, which have good compatibility with the microcells and do not interact with the electrophoretic medium. Examples of useful thermoplastic elastomers include ABA, as well as (AB)n type two-block, three-block, and multi-block copolymers, where A is styrene, α-methylstyrene, ethylene, propylene, or norbornene, and B is butadiene, isoprene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, dimethylsiloxane, or propylene sulfide, and A and B cannot be the same in the formula. The number n is ≥ 1, preferably 1 to 10. Two-block or three-block copolymers of styrene or ox-methylstyrene, such as SB (poly(styrene-b-butadiene)), SBS (poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene)), SIS (poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene)), SEBS (poly(styrene-b-ethylene / butylene-b-styrene)), poly(styrene-b-dimethylsiloxane-b-styrene), poly((α-methylstyrene-b-isoprene), poly(α-methylstyrene-b-isoprene-b-α-methylstyrene), poly(α-methylstyrene-b-propylene sulfide-b-α-methylstyrene), and poly(α-methylstyrene-b-dimethylsiloxane-b-α-methylstyrene)) are particularly useful. Commercially available styrene block copolymers, such as Kraton D and G series (Kraton) Polymers (manufactured by Exxon Mobil, Houston, Texas) are particularly useful. Crystalline rubbers, such as poly(ethylene-co-propylene-co-5-methylene-2-norbornene) or EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene polymer) rubbers, such as Vistalon 6505 (manufactured by Exxon Mobil, Houston, Texas) and their grafted copolymers have also been found to be very useful.

[0086] The thermoplastic elastomer may be dissolved in a solvent or solvent mixture, which is miscible with the display fluid in the microcell and exhibits a specific gravity lower than that of the display fluid. Low surface tension solvents are preferred for overcoating the composition due to their good wetting properties for the microcell walls and electrophoretic fluid. Solvents or solvent mixtures having a surface tension of less than 35 dyne / cm are preferred. A surface tension of less than 30 dyne / cm is more preferred. Suitable solvents include alkanes (preferably C 6-12 Alkanes (e.g., heptane, octane or isopar solvents from Exxon Chemical Company, nonane, decane and their isomers), cycloalkanes (preferably C 6-12 Cycloalkanes (e.g., cyclohexane and decalin), alkylbenzenes (preferably monoC) 1-6 Alkylbenzene or diC 1-6 Alkylbenzenes (e.g., toluene, xylene, etc.), alkyl esters (preferably C 2-5 Alkyl esters (e.g., ethyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, etc.) and C 3-5 Examples include alkyl alcohols (e.g., isopropanol and their isomers). Mixtures of alkylbenzenes and alkanes are particularly useful.

[0087] In addition to polymer additives, the polymer mixture may also contain wetting agents (surfactants). Wetting agents (e.g., FC surfactants from 3M Company, zonyl fluorosurfactants, fluoroacrylates, fluoromethacrylates, fluorosubstituted long-chain alcohols, perfluorosubstituted long-chain carboxylic acids, and their derivatives, as well as Silwet silicone surfactants from OSi (Greenwich, Conn.)) may also be included in the composition to improve the adhesion of the sealant to microcells and to provide a more flexible coating process. Other components, including crosslinking agents (e.g., bisazides such as 4,4'-diazidophenylmethane and 2,6-di-(4'-azidobenzal)-4-methylcyclohexanone), vulcanizing agents (e.g., 2-benzothiazolyl disulfide and tetramethylthiuram disulfide), polyfunctional monomers or oligomers (e.g., hexanediol, diacrylate, trimethylolpropane, triacrylate, divinylbenzene, diallyl phthalate), thermal initiators (e.g., dilaurolyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide), and photoinitiators (e.g., isopropylthioxanthone (ITX), Irgacure 651 and Irgacure 369 from Ciba-Geigy), are also very useful for enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of the sealing layer by crosslinking or polymerization reactions during or after the overcoating process.

[0088] After the microcells are generated, they are filled with a suitable mixture of fragrances. The microcell array 1300 may be prepared by any of the methods described above. As shown in the cross-sections of Figures 13A-13D, the microcell walls 1301 extend upward from the substrate 1003 to form open cells. The microcells may include a primer layer 1003 to passivate the mixture and protect the microcell material from interaction with the mixture containing the fragrance 1305. Before filling, the microcell array 1300 may be cleaned and sterilized to ensure that the fragrance is not compromised before use.

[0089] The microcells are then filled with mixture 1304 containing fragrance 1305. Filling the microcells can be achieved by using picoliter injection with an inkjet or other fluid system. Individual microcells can be filled to allow various different fragrances to be included in the fragrance delivery system. Different microcells may contain different fragrances, as shown in Figure 13B. Microcells 1300 are preferably partially filled to prevent unintended mixing and overflow of fragrances. In systems for delivering hydrophobic fragrances, the mixture may be based on a biocompatible oil or some other biocompatible hydrophobic carrier. For example, the mixture may contain vegetable oil, fruit oil, or nut oil. In other embodiments, silicone oil may be used. In systems for delivering hydrophilic fragrances, the mixture may be based on water or another aqueous medium such as phosphate buffer. The mixture does not need to be a liquid; however, it may be preferable to deliver fragrance 1305 as a hydrogel and other matrix.

[0090] Microcells can be filled using various techniques. In some embodiments, if a large number of adjacent microcells are to be filled with the same mixture, blade coating may be used to fill the microcells to the depth of the microcell wall 1301. In other embodiments, if different mixtures are to be filled into different nearby microcells, inkjet microinjection may be used to fill the microcells. In yet another embodiment, a microneedle array may be used to fill an array of microcells with the correct mixture. Filling can be carried out in a one-step or multi-step process. For example, all cells may be partially filled with a certain amount of solvent. The partially filled microcells are then filled with a second mixture containing one or more fragrances to be delivered.

[0091] As shown in Figure 13C, after filling, the microcells are sealed by applying polymer 66, which forms a porous sealing layer. In some embodiments, the sealing process may involve exposure to heat, dry hot air, or UV irradiation. In most embodiments, polymer 1306 is harmonious with mixture 1304 but does not dissolve in the solvent of mixture 1304. Polymer 1306 is also biocompatible and selected to adhere to the sides or top surface of the microcell wall 1301. A suitable biocompatible adhesive for the porous sealing layer is a phenethylamine mixture, for example, described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 336,841, filed October 30, 2016, entitled "Method for Sealing Microcell Containers with Phenethylamine Mixtures" (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Thus, the final microcell structure is substantially resistant to leakage and capable of withstanding bending without delamination of the porous sealing layer.

[0092] In alternative embodiments, various individual microcells may be filled with a desired mixture by using repeated photolithography. This process typically involves coating an array of empty microcells with a layer of positive-type photoresist, selectively opening a certain number of microcells by image-like exposure of the positive-type photoresist, subsequently developing the photoresist, filling the opened microcells with the desired mixture, and sealing the filled microcells by a sealing process. These steps may be repeated to produce sealed microcells filled with other mixtures. This procedure allows for the formation of a large sheet of microcells having a desired ratio or concentration of mixture.

[0093] After filling the microcells 1300, the sealed array may be laminated with a finish layer 1308 that is also porous to the fragrance by pre-coating the finish layer 68 with an adhesive layer which may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a hot-melt adhesive, or a heat, moisture, or radiation-curable adhesive. The laminated adhesive may be cured afterward by irradiation such as UV through a conductive film on the top surface, if the latter is radiation-permeable. In some embodiments, a biocompatible adhesive 1307 is then laminated to the component. The biocompatible adhesive 1307 allows the fragrance to pass through while keeping the device movable for the user. Suitable biocompatible adhesives are available from 3M (Minneapolis, MN).

[0094] The present invention provides a fragrance delivery system comprising a plurality of microcells. Each microcell includes an opening that spans a porous sealing layer. The fragrance delivery system may comprise various types of microcells. Different types of microcells may contain different fragrances or combinations of fragrances, or the same or different fragrances at different concentrations. Different types of microcells may have different porous sealing portions (different thicknesses, average pore diameters). Different types of microcells in the same system may have different volumes and may contain different forms of fragrance compositions (liquid or gel). Significantly, the fragrance delivery system may comprise shrinkable or removable slices of (a) a release sheet, (b) a top coating layer, and (c) a porous sealing layer. As a result, the rate of fragrance delivery can be controlled at various levels for each microcell type.

[0095] This disclosure is not limited to the examples and variations described, but includes embodiments and other modifications that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A fragrance delivery system, Backing layer; Adhesive layer adjacent to the backing layer; A microcell layer comprising a plurality of microcells, wherein each of the plurality of microcells has an opening, the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of first types of microcells, each of the plurality of first types of microcells comprises a composition of the first fragrance having a first concentration of the first fragrance, and the backing layer is disposed between the adhesive layer and the microcell layer; A porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of microcells, wherein the porous sealing layer has an average pore diameter of 0.2 nm to 1 mm, and the porous sealing layer comprises a plurality of sealing slices, each sealing slice being removable or shrinkable independently of the microcells sealed by the sealing slice; and First release sheet A fragrance delivery system, including a fragrance delivery system.

2. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the composition of the first fragrance comprises a first aqueous carrier or a first non-aqueous carrier.

3. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 2, wherein the composition of the first fragrance is a liquid or a gel.

4. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of second type microcells and a plurality of third type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of second type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of third type microcells, the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of second type microcells has a second thickness, and the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of third type microcells has a third thickness, the second thickness being different from the third thickness.

5. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of microcells further comprises a plurality of fourth types of microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of fourth types of microcells, and the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of fourth types of microcells has a fourth thickness, the fourth thickness being different from the second and third thicknesses.

6. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcells include a plurality of fifth type microcells and a plurality of sixth type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of fifth type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of sixth type microcells, the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of fifth type microcells has a fifth average pore diameter, the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of sixth type microcells has a sixth average pore diameter, and the fifth average pore diameter is different from the sixth average pore diameter.

7. The plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of seventh type microcells, a portion of the porous sealing layer spans the openings of the plurality of seventh type microcells, the portion of the porous sealing layer spanning the openings of the plurality of seventh type microcells has a seventh average pore diameter, and the seventh average pore diameter is equal to the fifth average pore diameter. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 6, wherein the diameter and the average pore diameter of the sixth are different.

8. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of eighth type microcells and a plurality of ninth type microcells, each microcell of the eighth type microcell has an eighth volume, each microcell of the ninth type microcell has a ninth volume, and the eighth volume is different from the ninth volume.

9. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of 10 types of microcells, each of the 10 types of microcells having a 10th volume, and the 10th volume is different from the 8th volume and the 9th volume.

10. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of 11 types of microcells and a plurality of 12 types of microcells, each microcell of the 11 types having the first fragrance at an 11th concentration, and each microcell of the 12 types having the first fragrance at a 12th concentration, the concentration of the 11th being different from the concentration of the 12th.

11. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of microcells further comprises a plurality of thirteen types of microcells, each of the plurality of thirteen types of microcells comprises a composition of a second fragrance, the second fragrance being different from the first fragrance.

12. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of microcells further comprises a plurality of 14 types of microcells, each of the plurality of 14 types of microcells comprises a composition of a third fragrance, the third fragrance being different from the first fragrance and the second fragrance.

13. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 1, wherein the release sheet comprises a plurality of release sheet slices, and each release sheet slice is independently removable or shrinkable.

14. A fragrance delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising a top coating layer, wherein the top coating layer is disposed between the porous sealing layer and the release sheet, the top coating layer has a top coating layer pore diameter, the average pore diameter of the top coating layer is greater than 0.1 nm, the average pore diameter of the top coating is smaller than the average pore diameter of the porous sealing layer, and the top coating layer comprises a plurality of top coating slices, each of which is independently removable or shrinkable.

15. The fragrance delivery system according to claim 1, further comprising a second release sheet adjacent to the adhesive layer, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed between the second release sheet and the backing layer.

16. A method for delivering fragrance from a fragrance delivery system, wherein the fragrance delivery system is (a) a backing layer; (b) a microcell layer comprising a plurality of microcells, wherein each of the plurality of microcells has an opening, the plurality of microcells comprises a plurality of first types of microcells, and each of the plurality of first types of microcells comprises a composition of the first fragrance having a first concentration of the first fragrance; (c) a porous sealing layer that scans the openings of the plurality of microcells. (d) A porous sealing layer having an average pore diameter of 0.2 nm to 1 mm, wherein the porous sealing layer comprises a plurality of sealing slices, each sealing slice being independently removable or shrinkable; (d) A top coating layer having an average pore diameter of less than 0.2 nm, wherein the top coating layer comprises a plurality of top coating slices, each top coating slice being independently removable or shrinkable; (e) A first release sheet comprising a plurality of release sheet slices, each release sheet slice being independently removable or shrinkable, wherein the method is (1) Remove or shrink the release sheet or one or more release sheet slices; (2) Removing or shrinking the top coating layer or one or more top coating slices; and (3) Removing or shrinking the sealing layer or one or more sealing slices; and (4) Reattaching the sealing layer or one or more sealing slices. Methods that include...

17. (5) A method for delivering fragrance according to claim 16, further comprising the step of reattaching the top coating layer or one or more top coating slices.

18. (6) A method for delivering fragrance according to claim 17, further comprising the step of reattaching the release sheet or one or more slices of release sheet.

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