Patents by Inventor Douglas T. Gjerde

Douglas T. Gjerde has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Low dead volume extraction column device
    Patent number: 8501116
    Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The invention is characterized by the use of low dead volume columns, which is achieved in part by the use of low pore volume frits (e.g., membrane screens) to contain a bed of extraction media in the column. Low dead volume facilitates the elution of the captured analyte into a very small volume of desorption solution, allowing for the preparation of low volume samples containing relatively high concentrations of analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Christopher P. Hanna
  • Open channel solid phase extraction systems and methods
    Patent number: 8399055
    Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, capillary extraction devices, and methods of making and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Rania Bakry, Gunther Bonn, Douglas T. Gjerde, Christian W. Huck, Gunther Stecher
  • Method and device for sample preparation
    Patent number: 8377715
    Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip extraction columns for the purification of a DNA vector from un-clarified cell lysate containing cell debris as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Suh, Lee Hoang, Jennifer E. Grant, Douglas T. Gjerde
  • Open channel solid phase extraction systems and methods
    Patent number: 8362219
    Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods of extracting an analyte from a solution comprising the steps of: passing a solution containing an analyte through an extraction channel having a solid phase extraction surface, whereby analyte adsorbs to the extraction surface of said extraction channel; purging bulk liquid from said extraction channel; and eluting the analyte by passing a desorption solvent through the channel. In some embodiments, the analyte is a protein. The invention further provides reagents, channels, columns and instrumentation related to this and other methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Christopher P. Hanna
  • Open channel solid phase extraction systems and methods
    Patent number: 8361806
    Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the preparation of native and non-denatured biomolecules using solid-phase extraction channels. The invention is particularly suited for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of protein analytes. The invention further provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of multi-protein complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Christopher T. Hanna
  • METHODS AND DEVICES FOR NUCLEIC ACID PURIFICATION
    Publication number: 20120252115
    Abstract: The invention provides pipette tip columns and automated methods for the purification of nucleic acids such as plasmids from unclarified cell lysates containing cell debris as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of medium positioned in the pipette tip column, above a bottom frit and with an optional top frit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Suh, Lee Hoang, Douglas T. Gjerde
  • Method and Device for Sample Preparation
    Publication number: 20120164750
    Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column, often between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the extraction columns are comprised of frits having a low pore volume. In some embodiments, the frits of the extraction columns have a pore volume of less than one microliter or less than 10% of the interstitial volume of the bed of extraction media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Allen Burge, Ronald Jones, Mark Abel
  • Isolation of Phosphoproteins, Glycoproteins and Fragments thereof
    Publication number: 20120088906
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for the selective isolation of phosphorylated and glycosylated proteins and their fragments. Metal cation is used to precipitate proteins or protein fragments containing phospho groups and/or glyco groups. The sample preparation method can be used for several types of biological samples, including HeLa cells, food, and human cerebrospinal fluid. The proteins are isolated, recovered and ready for analysis by mass spectrometry or other analytical methods allowing detection limits down to the femtomole level. The method and apparatus are valuable tools in the field of protein analysis and diagnostics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Fabio Polato, Mathias Rainer, Douglas T. Gjerde, Guenther Bonn
  • Purification of Nucleic acids
    Publication number: 20120083598
    Abstract: The present invention solves the problem of isolating nucleic acids from cells in the presence of the growth medium. The invention is particularly useful for isolating extrachromosomal replicons such as plasmids. Cells are lysed in the presence of the medium in which they were grown and nucleic acids are isolated using a pipette tip column. A liquid handling robot can be used to isolate nucleic acids from multiple samples simultaneously without the need for human intervention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Suh, Lee Hoang, Douglas T. Gjerde
  • Method and device for sample preparation
    Patent number: 8148168
    Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column, often between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the extraction columns are comprised of frits having a low pore. In some embodiments, the frits of the extraction columns have a pore volume of less than one microliter or less than 10% of the interstitial volume of the bed of extraction media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Allen Burge, Ronald Jones, Mark Abel
  • Method and device for extracting an analyte
    Patent number: 8148169
    Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the method involves adjusting the head pressure of the column during the process, or otherwise controlling or regulating the head pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Ronald Jones, Allen Burge
  • Method and device for extracting an analyte
    Patent number: 8143071
    Abstract: The invention provides columns and methods for the purification and concentration of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution. The columns typically include a bed of extraction medium positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. The invention also provides methods for purifying and concentrating multiple analytes simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas T. Gjerde
  • Pipette tip containing particle-filled polymer monolith
    Patent number: 8105513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipette tip which is fitted with a porous organic monolith which is doped with active particles. Due to a unique polymerization method, the extraction tips stay highly permeable which allows sample to pass through the monolithic bed. The extraction tip represents an ideal tool for solid phase extraction, especially for desalting, isolating and purifying biomolecules such as peptides and proteins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Bonn, Guenther Bonn, Christian Huck, Bernhard Maerk, Harald Sonderegger, Mathias Rainer, Douglas T. Gjerde
  • Method and Device for Extracting an Analyte
    Publication number: 20120018381
    Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for maintaining the columns in a wet state. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction column body is comprised of a modified pipette tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Christopher P. Hanna
  • Low Dead Volume Extraction Column Device
    Publication number: 20110293490
    Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The invention is characterized by the use of low dead volume columns, which is achieved in part by the use of low pore volume frits (e.g., membrane screens) to contain a bed of extraction media in the column. Low dead volume facilitates the elution of the captured analyte into a very small volume of desorption solution, allowing for the preparation of low volume samples containing relatively high concentrations of analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Christopher P. Hanna
  • Method and device for extracting an analyte
    Patent number: 8057668
    Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the invention provides columns characterized by low backpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Christopher P. Hanna
  • Method and device for preparing an analyte for analysis by mass spectrometry
    Patent number: 8053247
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for automated sample preparation for MALDI-TOF MS using columns in combination with a liquid handling system. The samples are typically biological such as serum or urine. The columns typically include a bed of media positioned within a modified pipette tip. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for storing the prepared samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: PhyNexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Isabel Feuerstein, Günther Bonn, Douglas T. Gjerde, Christian Huck, Guenther Stecher
  • Method and Device for Extracting an Analyte
    Publication number: 20110192797
    Abstract: The invention provides extraction columns for the purification of an analyte (e.g., a biological macromolecule, such as a peptide, protein or nucleic acid) from a sample solution, as well as methods for making and using such columns. The columns typically include a bed of extraction media positioned in the column between two frits. In some embodiments, the extraction columns employ modified pipette tips as column bodies. In some embodiments, the method involves adjusting the head pressure of the column during the process, or otherwise controlling or regulating the head pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Ronald Jones, Allen Burge
  • Method and Apparatus for Pipette Tip Columns
    Publication number: 20110195518
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of using a pipette with pipette tip columns were developed in which a pipette is operated with the pipette tip columns inserted into the wells of a microplate. In this configuration the pipette is free standing and is essentially perpendicular to the microplate. The open lower ends of the pipette tip column are approximately centered within the plate well. The columns and plate are designed in such a way that the open lower ends of the pipette tip columns are in contact with liquid in the plate well however, the columns do not seal on the well bottom, preventing flow in and out of the column. The pipette contains the appropriate firmware and software to control flow for all steps of pipette tip column operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Lee Hoang, Chris Suh, Mark Abel
  • Open Channel Solid Phase Extraction Systems and Methods
    Publication number: 20110118452
    Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the preparation of native and non-denatured biomolecules using solid-phase extraction channels. The invention is particularly suited for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of protein analytes. The invention further provides, inter alia, methods, devices and reagents for the purification, concentration and/or analysis of multi-protein complexes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas T. Gjerde, Christopher P. Hanna