A method for delivery of substance through at least one dermal layer, by providing a substance in microcapsules at a predetermined size, within a medium (150) for holding the microcapsules; placing the medium for holding the microcapsules on a surface of a patch (100) adjacent the skin (320) of a human or animal; and applying energy (200) to the patch, the energy having a characteristic of disturbing the integrity of the microcapsules, thereby resulting in release of the substance from the microcapsules. The energy may be selectively applied to release the substance at desired times. The substance may be a drug or other active agent.