Patents by Inventor Hsu-Kun Wang
Hsu-Kun Wang 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).
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Patent number: 7811754Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes of interest are disclosed. A plurality of probes is immobilized on a planar waveguide. The probes comprise sequences complementary to a wildtype sequence of the gene of interest and complementary to a sequence of a known SNP in the gene of interest. A fluorescently-labeled analyte is flowed over the planar waveguide. The binding between the labeled analyte and each of the probes causes a change in the fluorescence signal. The SNP is detected by comparing the hybridization kinetics of the analyte with each of the probes. A method of detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms in a gene of interest by sequencing by hybridization is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: James N. Herron, Samuel Tolley, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 7537734Abstract: A composite waveguide for evanescent sensing in fluorescent binding assays comprising a substrate layer having one or more thin-film waveguide channels deposited thereon. Binding molecules having the property of binding with specificity to an analyte are immobilized on the surface of the thin-film channels. In preferred embodiments, the composite waveguide includes integral light input coupling means adapted to the thin-film channels. Light coupling means may include a grating etched into the substrate prior to deposition of the thin film, or a waveguide coupler affixed to the upper surface of the thin film. The waveguide coupler has an input waveguide of high refractive index which receives the laser light through one end, propagating it by total internal reflection. Propagated light is coupled evanescently into the thin film across a spacer layer of precise thickness with a lower index of refraction than that of the input waveguide or the thin-film waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: W. Monty Reichert, James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Publication number: 20060228713Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes of interest are disclosed. A plurality of probes is immobilized on a planar waveguide. The probes comprise sequences complementary to a wildtype sequence of the gene of interest and complementary to a sequence of a known SNP in the gene of interest. A fluorescently-labeled analyte is flowed over the planar waveguide. The binding between the labeled analyte and each of the probes causes a change in the fluorescence signal. The SNP is detected by comparing the hybridization kinetics of the analyte with each of the probes. A method of detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms in a gene of interest by sequencing by hybridization is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2004Publication date: October 12, 2006Inventors: James Herron, Samuel Tolley, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 7022515Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide and optionally has multi-well features and improved evanescent field intensity. The preferred biosensor and assay method have the capture molecules immobilized to the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling chemistry. Additionally, the coatings used to immobilize the capture molecules provide reduced non-specific protein adsorption.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Karin D. Caldwell, Vera Janatová, Shao-Chie Huang, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 6979567Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semicylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method has patches of capture molecules, each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacently within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers, which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a nonspecific binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers, the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: BioCentrex, LLCInventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang, Karin Caldwell, Vera Janatová, Shao-Chie Huang
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Patent number: 6911344Abstract: A step-gradient composite waveguide for evanescent sensing in fluorescent binding assays comprises a thick substrate layer having one or more thin film waveguide channels deposited thereon. In one embodiment, the substrate is silicon dioxide and the thin film is silicon oxynitride. Specific binding molecules having the property of binding with specificity to an analyte are immobilized on the surface of the thin film channels. In preferred embodiments, the composite waveguide further includes light input coupling means integrally adapted to the thin film channels. Such light coupling means can be a grating etched into the substrate prior to deposition of the thin film, or a waveguide coupler affixed to the upper surface of the thin film. The waveguide coupler has a thick input waveguide of high refractive index which receives the laser light through one end and propagates it by total internal reflection.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: BioCentrex, LLCInventors: W. Monty Reichert, James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang, Jacob D. Durtschi
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Publication number: 20020160534Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide and optionally has multi-well features and improved evanescent field intensity. The preferred biosensor and assay method have the capture molecules immobilized to the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling chemistry. Additionally, the coatings used to immobilize the capture molecules provide reduced non-specific protein adsorption.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Karin D. Caldwell, Vera Janatova, Shao-Chie Huang, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Publication number: 20020160535Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semi-cylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method have patches of capture molecules each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacent within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a non-specific-binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang, Karin Caldwell, Vera Janatova, Shao-Chie Huang
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Publication number: 20020034457Abstract: A composite waveguide for evanescent sensing in fluorescent binding assays comprising a substrate layer having one or more thin film waveguide channels deposited thereon. Binding molecules having the property of binding with specificity to an analyte are immobilized on the surface of the thin film channels. In preferred embodiments, the composite waveguide includes integral light input coupling means adapted to the thin film channels. Light coupling means may include a grating etched into the substrate prior to deposition of the thin film, or a waveguide coupler affixed to the upper surface of the thin film. The waveguide coupler has an input waveguide of high refractive index which receives the laser light through one end, propagating it by total internal reflection. Propagated light is coupled evanescently into the thin film across a spacer layer of precise thickness with a lower index of refraction than the input waveguide or the thin-film waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Inventors: W. Monty Reichert, James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 6350413Abstract: A step-gradient composite waveguide for evanescent sensing in fluorescent binding assays comprises a thick substrate layer having one or more thin film waveguide channels deposited thereon. In one embodiment, the substrate is silicon dioxide and the thin film is silicon oxynitride. Specific binding molecules having the property of binding with specificity to an analyte are immobilized on the surface of the thin film channels. In preferred embodiments, the composite waveguide further includes light input coupling means integrally adapted to the thin film channels. Such light coupling means can be a grating etched into the substrate prior to deposition of the thin film, or a waveguide coupler affixed to the upper surface of the thin film. The waveguide coupler has a thick input waveguide of high refractive index which receives the laser light through one end and propagates it by total internal reflection.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: W. Monty Reichert, James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 6340598Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide and optionally has multi-well features and improved evanescent field intensity. The preferred biosensor and assay method have the capture molecules immobilized to the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling chemistry. Additionally, the coatings used to immobilize the capture molecules provide reduced non-specific protein adsorption.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1998Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Karin D. Caldwell, Vera Janatová, Shao-Chie Huang, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 6316274Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semi-cylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method have patches of capture molecules each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacent within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a non-specific-binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang, Karin Caldwell, Vera Janatová, Shao-Chie Huang
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Patent number: 5961924Abstract: A step-gradient composite waveguide for evanescent sensing in fluorescent binding assays comprises a thick substrate layer having one or more thin film waveguide channels deposited thereon. In one embodiment, the substrate is silicon dioxide and the thin film is silicon oxynitride. Specific binding molecules having the property of binding with specificity to an analyte are immobilized on the surface of the thin film channels. In preferred embodiments, the composite waveguide further includes light input coupling means integrally adapted to the thin film channels. Such light coupling means can be a grating etched into the substrate prior to deposition of the thin film, or a waveguide coupler affixed to the upper surface of the thin film. The waveguide coupler has a thick input waveguide of high refractive index which receives the laser light through one end and propagates it by total internal reflection.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: W. Monty Reichert, James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 5919712Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semi-cylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method have patches of capture molecules each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacent within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a non-specific-binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1996Date of Patent: July 6, 1999Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang, Karin D. Caldwell, Vera Janatova, Shao-Chie Huang
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Patent number: 5846842Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide and optionally has multi-well features and improved evanescent field intensity. The preferred biosensor and assay method have the capture molecules immobilized to the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling chemistry. Additionally, the coatings used to immobilize the capture molecules provide reduced non-specific protein adsorption.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1996Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Karin D. Caldwell, Vera Janatova, Shao-Chie Huang, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 5832165Abstract: A step-gradient composite waveguide for evanescent sensing in fluorescent binding assays comprises a thick substrate layer having one or more thin film waveguide channels deposited thereon. In one embodiment, the substrate is silicon dioxide and the thin film is silicon oxynitride. Specific binding molecules having the property of binding with specificity to an analyte are immobilized on the surface of the thin film channels. In preferred embodiments, the composite waveguide further includes light input coupling means integrally adapted to the thin film channels. Such light coupling means can be a grating etched into the substrate prior to deposition of the thin film, or a waveguide coupler affixed to the upper surface of the thin film. The waveguide coupler has a thick input waveguide of high refractive index which receives the laser light through one end and propagates it by total internal reflection.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: W. Monty Reichert, James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 5814565Abstract: A step-gradient composite waveguide for evanescent sensing in fluorescent binding assays comprises a thick substrate layer having one or more thin film waveguide channels deposited thereon. In one embodiment, the substrate is silicon dioxide and the thin film is silicon oxynitride. Specific binding molecules having the property of binding with specificity to an analyte are immobilized on the surface of the thin film channels. In preferred embodiments, the composite waveguide further includes light input coupling means integrally adapted to the thin film channels. Such light coupling means can be a grating etched into the substrate prior to deposition of the thin film, or a waveguide coupler affixed to the upper surface of the thin film. The waveguide coupler has a thick input waveguide of high refractive index which receives the laser light through one end and propagates it by total internal reflection.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1995Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: W. Monty Reichert, James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang
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Patent number: 5677196Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semi-cylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method have patches of capture molecules each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacent within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a non-specific-binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1994Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Hsu-Kun Wang, Karin D. Caldwell, Vera Janatova, Shao-Chie Huang
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Patent number: 5512492Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide and optionally has multi-well features and improved evanescent field intensity. The preferred biosensor and assay method have the capture molecules immobilized to the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling chemistry. Additionally, the coatings used to immobilize the capture molecules provide reduced non-specific protein adsorption.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1993Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: James N. Herron, Douglas A. Christensen, Karin D. Caldwell, Vera Janatova, Shao-Chie Huang, Hsu-Kun Wang