Patent Digest: Fall 2016

January 1, 2017

Innovations in designer proteins for synthetic biology, soft actuators, and cancer vaccines

To realize its overarching goal to invent and commercialize disruptive solutions for healthcare, energy, architecture, robotics, and manufacturing, the Wyss Institute is creating a patent portfolio in relevant areas that are or can become an essential basis for specific business development and commercialization efforts. To learn more about these innovations, contact our Business Development Team.

The Wyss Institute’s U.S. patents issued between October and December 2016 are as follows:

Patent Digest: Fall 2016 — Mechanically programmed soft actuators with conforming sleeves. Credit: Harvard University.

Transcription activator-like effectors

U.S. Patent 9,499,592 (November 22, 2016)

Feng Zhang, Le Cong, Sriram Kosuri, and George M. Church

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, kits and methods useful in the construction of designer transcription activator-like effector (dTALE) polypeptides.

Mechanically programmed soft actuators with conforming sleeves

U.S. Patent 9,492,930 (November 15, 2016)

Kevin Galloway

Abstract: A mechanically programmed actuator includes at least one soft actuator body configured to bend, linearly extend, contract, twist, or combinations thereof when actuated without constraint; an activation mechanism (e.g., a fluid pump) configured to actuate the soft actuator body; and at least one sleeve wrapped around part of the soft actuator body and configured to constrain the soft actuator body inside the sleeve when actuated and to cause the soft actuator body to deform where not covered by the sleeve.

In situ antigen-generating cancer vaccine

U.S. Patent 9,486,512 (November 8, 2016)

Jaeyun Kim, David J. Mooney, Weiwei Aileen Li, Praveen Arany, and Or Gadish

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for utilizing scaffolds in cancer vaccines.

For more information about these innovations, please email our Business Development Team at wyss_BD@wyss.harvard.edu.

The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University (http://wyss.harvard.edu) uses Nature’s design principles to develop bioinspired materials and devices that will transform medicine and create a more sustainable world. Wyss researchers are developing innovative new engineering solutions for healthcare, energy, architecture, robotics, and manufacturing that are translated into commercial products and therapies through collaborations with clinical investigators, corporate alliances, and formation of new startups. The Wyss Institute creates transformative technological breakthroughs by engaging in high risk research, and crosses disciplinary and institutional barriers, working as an alliance that includes Harvard’s Schools of Medicine, Engineering, Arts & Sciences and Design, and in partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Dana–Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston University, Tufts University, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Zurich and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Harvard’s Office of Technology Development (OTD) (http://otd.harvard.edu) promotes the public good by fostering innovation and translating new inventions made at Harvard University into useful products that are available and beneficial to society. Our integrated approach to technology development comprises sponsored research and corporate alliances, intellectual property management, and technology commercialization through venture creation and licensing. More than 70 startups have launched to commercialize Harvard technologies in the past 5 years, collectively raising more than a billion dollars in financing. To further bridge the academic-industry development gap, Harvard OTD manages the Blavatnik Biomedical Accelerator and the Physical Sciences & Engineering Accelerator.