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Patent Digest: Summer 2018

Innovations in asthma and anaphylaxis sensors, engineered genetic enteric sensors, 3D printing, drug delivering materials, engineered proteins, 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.

The Wyss Institute’s U.S. patents issued between July and September 2018 are as follows:

Patent Digest: Summer 2018
Systems and methods for monitoring, managing, and treating asthma and anaphylaxis. Credit: Harvard University

Systems and methods for monitoring, managing, and treating asthma and anaphylaxis

U.S. Patent 10,080,841 (September 25, 2018)

Andy H. Levine, Christoph Matthias Kanzler, Daniel Leo Miranda, Joseph Mooney, Huy Lam, John Osborne, Mustafa Karabas, Alan Dunne, James Niemi, Benjamin Matthews, Donald E. Ingber, Olivier Henry, and Premananda Pai Indic

Abstract: A physiologic sensor module includes at least one wearable sensor that is configured for wearing on a human body part and for measuring at least one biological signal. The module further includes at least one controller communicatively coupled to the wearable sensor and configured to receive the biological signal from the wearable sensor. The controller is further configured to process the biological signal in real-time, extract one or more clinical features from the biological signal, and based on the clinical features, determine detection of anaphylaxis.

Microfluidic active mixing nozzle for three-dimensional printing of viscoelastic inks

U.S. Patent 10,071,350 (September 11, 2018)

Jennifer A. Lewis and Thomas J. Ober

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for three-dimensional ink deposition from an impeller-driven active mixing microfluidic printing nozzle. The device is configured to receive a material property associated with the plurality of fluids and receive a structure property of the printing nozzle. The device then determines a threshold relation between a rotating speed ω of an impeller in the nozzle and a volumetric flow rate Q of fluids that flow through the nozzle based on the material property of the plurality of fluids, the structure property of the printing nozzle. Based on the threshold relation, the device then determines an actual volumetric flow rate of the fluids and actual rotation speed of the impeller.

Patent Digest: Summer 2018
Microfluidic active mixing nozzle for three-dimensional printing of viscoelastic inks. Credit: Harvard University

Biomimetic actuation device and system, and methods for controlling a biomimetic actuation device and system

U.S. Patent 10,058,647 (August 28, 2018)

Ellen T. Roche, Steven Obiajulu, Conor J. Walsh, David J. Mooney, and Frank A. Pigula

Abstract: A biomimetic actuation device includes a flexible substrate, conformable for disposition about an object, defining an apex and a base, bearing at least one soft actuator configured to change state from a first state to a second state upon introduction of a pressurized fluid to an internal volume of the at least one soft actuator.

In Situ Nucleic Acid Sequencing of Expanded Biological Samples

U.S. Patent 10,059,990 (August 28, 2018)

Edward Stuart Boyden, Fei Chen, Shahar Alon, George Church, Paul Warren Tillberg, Adam Marblestone, Evan Daugharthy

Abstract: The invention provides in situ nucleic acid sequencing to be conducted in biological specimens that have been physically expanded. The invention leverages the techniques for expansion microscopy (ExM) to provide new methods for in situ sequencing of nucleic acids as well as new methods for fluorescent in situ sequencing (FISSEQ) in a new process referred to herein as “expansion sequencing” (ExSEQ).

Injectable preformed macroscopic 3-dimensional scaffolds for minimally invasive administration

U.S. Patent 10,045,947 (August 14, 2018)

Sidi A. Bencherif, David J. Mooney, David Edwards, and Roger Warren Sands

Abstract: The invention provides polymer compositions for cell and drug delivery.

Engineered genetic enteric sensor bacteria and uses thereof

U.S. Patent 10,047,405 (August 14, 2018)

Jonathan Kotula, Scott Jordan Kerns, Jeffrey Charles Way, and Pamela A. Silver

Abstract: The disclosure relates to genetic engineered bacteria having a genetic memory circuit, compositions thereof, formulations thereof, methods of analyses and method of treatment of conditions related to the gastrointestinal tract including the mouth and the stomach.

De novo design of allosteric proteins

U.S. Patent 10,041,065 (August 7, 2018)

Srivatsan Raman, Noah D. Taylor, and George M. Church

Abstract: Methods and compositions for making and isolating allosteric DNA binding proteins that bind to one or more allosteric effectors to induce a conformation change in the proteins are provided.

Patent Digest: Summer 2018
Biomimetic actuation device and system, and methods for controlling a biomimetic actuation device and system. Credit: Harvard University

Methods and compositions relating to optical super-resolution patterning

U.S. Patent 10,041,108 (August 7, 2018)

Robert Barish and Peng Yin

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for generating super-resolution patterns of molecules on substrates. In one aspect, disclosed herein is a method comprising contacting a plurality of transiently binding nucleic acid probes to their respective targets wherein the targets are immobilized on a substrate, detecting a binding event in a select region or set of select regions within a diffraction limited region of the substrate, and irradiating the diffraction limited region of the substrate, wherein the probes comprise a photocrosslinker. In one embodiment, the photocrosslinker is 3-cyanovinylcarbazole.

Compositions of toehold primer duplexes and methods of use

U.S. Patent 10,036,059 (July 31, 2018)

David Yu Zhang and Peng Yin

Abstract: Provided herein are primers and primer systems having improved specificity and kinetics over existing primers, and methods of use thereof.

Nucleic acid nanostructure barcode probes

U.S. Patent 10,024,796 (July 17, 2018)

Chenxiang Lin, Chao Li, William M. Shih, Peng Yin, and Ralf Jungmann

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, barcode probes comprised of transiently or stably fluorescently labeled nucleic acid nanostructures that are fully addressable and able to be read using standard fluorescent microscope and methods of use thereof including methods of use as detectable labels for probes.

Patent Digest: Summer 2018
Injectable preformed macroscopic 3-dimensional scaffolds for minimally invasive administration. Credit: Harvard University

Prefabricated alginate-drug bandages

U.S. Patent 10,016,524 (July 10, 2018)

Cathal J. Kearney, Uyanga Tsedev, David J. Mooney, Aristidis Veves, Thomas Michael Braschler, and Sidi A. Bencherif

Abstract: The invention provides a solution to the drawbacks associated with conventional alginate dressings. This invention features improved alginate dressings or bandages as well as a fabrication process that results in an alginate sheet that is preloaded with drug, can be stored in a freeze-dried state, and is compliant and ready to use at the time of administration.

Slips surface based on metal-containing compound

U.S. Patent 10,011,800 (July 3, 2018)

Joanna Aizenberg, Michael Aizenberg, and Philseok Kim

Abstract: A method of preparing an article having a slippery surface includes providing a metal-containing surface, chemically modifying the metal-containing surface to roughen the metal-containing surface, and disposing a lubricating layer on the roughened metal-containing surface, wherein the lubricating layer is substantially stabilized on the roughened metal-containing surface.

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