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Patent Digest: Spring 2019

Innovations in CRISPR technology and genome engineering, DNA-based microscopic imaging, new functional materials, robotics for rehabilitation, and more

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.

This Wyss Institute’s U.S. patents issued between April and June 2019 are as follows:

Orthogonal Cas9 proteins for RNA-guided gene regulation and editing

US Patent 10,329,587 (June 25, 2019)

George M. Church, Kevin M. Esvelt, and Prashant G. Mali

Abstract: Methods of modulating expression of a target nucleic acid in a cell are provided including use of multiple orthogonal Cas9 proteins to simultaneously and independently regulate corresponding genes or simultaneously and independently edit corresponding genes.

Patent Digest: Spring 2019
High-throughput and highly multiplexed imaging with programmable nucleic acid probes. Credit: Harvard University

Fusion proteins for treating cancer and related methods

US Patent 10,308,697 (June 4, 2019)

Jeffrey Charles Way and Avram Lev Robinson-Mosher

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide fusion proteins that bind cells expressing one or more target molecules including, for example, one or more cell surface multisubunit signaling receptors (e.g., EGFRvIII-expressing cells that also express interferon receptors) and that induce anti-proliferative effects, and related compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer.

High-throughput and highly multiplexed imaging with programmable nucleic acid probes

US Patent 10,294,510 (May 21, 2019)

Peng Yin, Sarit Agasti, Xi Chen, and Ralf Jungmann

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods and compositions for imaging, at high spatial resolution, targets of interest.

Microfluidic cartridge assembly

U.S. Patent 10,293,339 (May 21, 2019)

Donald E. Ingber, Daniel Levner, Guy Thompson II, and Christopher David Hinojosa

Abstract: According to aspects of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for transporting fluid into or out of one or more fluidic devices includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first surface. The first surface includes at least one partial channel disposed thereon. The second layer abuts the first surface, thereby forming a channel from the at least one partial channel. At least one of the first layer and the second layer is a resilient layer formed from a pliable material. At least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a via hole. The via hole is aligned with the channel to pass fluid thereto. The via hole is configured to pass fluid through the first layer or the second layer substantially perpendicularly to the channel. Embossments are also used to define aspects of a fluidic channel.

Patent Digest: Spring 2019
Systems, methods, and devices for assisting walking for developmentally-delayed toddlers. Credit: Harvard University

Systems, methods, and devices for assisting walking for developmentally-delayed toddlers

U.S. Patent 10,278,883 (May 7, 2019)

Conor J. Walsh, Eugene C. Goldfield, Sang-Eun Song, and Evelyn Park

Abstract: In at least some aspects, the present concepts include a method of enabling rehabilitation of bodily control of a user comprising the acts of: integrating the user within a multi-module robotic system, the multi-module robotic system comprising modules of a flexible exosuit, a support module, a mobile base, or a combination thereof, applying one or more forces, cues, or a combination thereof on the user, based on one or more subtask-specific functions of the modules, to cause a developing of one or more subtasks of the bodily control, and managing control of one or more remaining subtasks of the bodily control by the modules in place of at least in part, the user while applying the one or more forces, cues, or a combination thereof.

RNA-guided human genome engineering

U.S. Patent 10,273,501 (April 30, 2019)

George M. Church, Prashant G. Mali, and Luhan Yang

Abstract: A method of altering a eukaryotic cell is provided including transfecting the eukaryotic cell with a nucleic acid encoding RNA complementary to genomic DNA of the eukaryotic cell, transfecting the eukaryotic cell with a nucleic acid encoding an enzyme that interacts with the RNA and cleaves the genomic DNA in a site specific manner, wherein the cell expresses the RNA and the enzyme, the RNA binds to complementary genomic DNA and the enzyme cleaves the genomic DNA in a site specific manner.

Patent Digest: Spring 2019
Method and apparatus for volumetric imaging of a three-dimensional nucleic acid containing matrix. Credit: Harvard University

Method and apparatus for volumetric imaging of a three-dimensional nucleic acid containing matrix

U.S. Patent 10,266,888 (April 23, 2019)

Evan R. Daugharthy, Richard C. Terry, Je-Hyuk Lee, George M. Church, and Benjamin W. Pruitt

Abstract: Methods of volumetric imaging of a three-dimensional matrix of nucleic acids within a cell is provided. An automated apparatus for sequencing and volumetric imaging of a three-dimensional matrix of nucleic acids is provided.

Holder

U.S. Patent D846,755 (April 23, 2019)

Bhavik Nathwani, William M. Shih, Wesley Philip Wong, and Darren Yang

Claim: The ornamental design for a holder, as shown and described.

Patent Digest: Spring 2019
High-surface area functional material coated structures. Credit: Harvard University

High-surface area functional material coated structures

U.S. Patent 10,265,694 (April 23, 2019)

Joanna Aizenberg, Tanya Shirman, Nicolas Vogel, Mathias Kolle, and Michael Aizenberg

Abstract: Methods for forming an interconnected network of solid material and pores, with metal residing only at the air/solid interface of the interconnected network structure are described. In certain embodiments, nanoparticle decorated sacrificial particles can be used as sacrificial templates for the formation of a porous structure having an interconnected network of solid material and interconnected network of pores. The nanoparticles reside predominantly at the air/solid interface and allow further growth and accessibility of the nanoparticles at defined positions of the interconnected structure. SEM and TEM measurements reveal the formation of 3D interconnected porous structures with nanoparticles residing predominantly at the air/solid interface of the interconnected structure.

Systems and methods for inhibiting apneic events

U.S. Patent 10,258,531 (April 16, 2019)

David Paydarfar, Riccardo Barbieri, Premananda Pai Indic, Ruby Kandah, James Brian Niemi, John Paul Osborne, Hani M. Sallum, and Amanda V. Wozniak

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to monitor physiological for the occurrence of life threatening events and to apply stimulation to prevent the occurrence of said life-threatening events. Systems and methods for applying the stimulation are also disclosed. These systems include applying the stimulation through via a mattress having a passive section and an active section, a plurality of focal stimulators, and/or an array to apply the stimulation are also disclosed. These devices include a mattress with an active region and a passive region, a stimulating array do deliver targeted stimulation, and a plurality of stimulators to apply focused stimulation.

High throughput screening of small molecules

U.S. Patent D844,805 (April 2, 2019)

Bhavik Nathwani, William M. Shih, Wesley Philip Wong, and Darren Yang

Claim: The ornamental design for a holder, as shown and described.

Modification of surfaces for fluid and solid repellency

U.S. Patent 10,245,355 (April 2, 2019)

Donald Ingber, Daniel C. Leslie, Michael Super, Alexander L. Watters, and Anna Waterhouse

Abstract: Articles, methods of making, and uses for modifying surfaces for liquid repellency are disclosed. The liquid repellant surfaces comprise a surface comprising an anchoring layer. The anchoring layer, which forms an immobilized molecular anchoring layer on the surface, has anchoring molecules, where each anchoring molecule has a head group that is covalently linked to the surface and a functional tail group. The anchoring molecules are crosslinked to each other to form a crosslinked network. The functional tail group has an affinity for a lubricating liquid, which is applied to the treated surface to form a lubricating layer. The anchoring layer and replenishable lubricating liquid are held together by non-covalent attractive forces. Together, these layers form an ultra-repellant slippery surface that repels certain immiscible liquids and prevents adsorption, coagulation, and surface fouling by components contained within.

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