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Patent Digest: Fall 2016

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.

Patent Digest: Fall 2016
In situ antigen-generating cancer vaccine. Credit: Harvard University.

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.

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