Patents by Inventor Nathan Swami
Nathan Swami 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).
-
Patent number: 11965810Abstract: An exemplary method and system is disclosed that facilitate the integration of multiplexed single-cell impedance cytometry in a high throughput format, which can be deployed upstream from microfluidic sample preparation and/or downstream to microfluidic cell separation. In exemplary method and system may employ impedance-based quantification of cell electrophysiology on the same microfluidic chip (i.e., “on-chip”) to provide distinguishing phenotypic information on the sample, without the need for additional sample handling, preparation or dilution steps as would be needed for other flow cytometry techniques.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Nathan Swami, John McGrath, Walter Varhue, Carlos Honrado, Vahid Farmehini, Yi Liu
-
Publication number: 20230417694Abstract: A technique for automated classification of biological subpopulations can include or use training a classifier by receiving an analyte biological specimen defining biophysical features characterized by corresponding electrical impedance parameters, within a test cell through which the biological specimen is flowing, measuring an electrical impedance of the biological specimen using a specified range of frequencies, extracting at least two electrical impedance parameters from the measured electrical impedance, and using the at least two electrical impedance parameters as an input to a trained classifier, training the classifier using training data from a plurality of other biological specimens and corresponding electrical impedance parameters of such training data.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Nathan Swami, Carlos Honrado, Armita Salahi
-
Patent number: 11759566Abstract: System and method to improve drug delivery to identified regions in the brain or elsewhere through direct infusion of a therapeutic agent or the like into that region. This direct infusion will allow for greater concentrations of the agent in the target region while reducing concentrations elsewhere in the body where these agents may be toxic. The system and method improves efficacy while reducing unwanted side effects. The system includes an array of multiple, independently targeted, microporous catheters for insertion into the target region and a distribution system that allows for individualized flow control to each catheter. The system may be connected to a reservoir that contains the therapeutic agent, and flow to the system is maintained through one or more pumps. This system will greatly improve on the current single catheter infusion design and shall provide therapy, delivered through multiple catheters, thus delivering the therapy evenly over a customizable volume.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2019Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Edward H. Bertram, Nathan Swami, Walter Varhue
-
Publication number: 20230287473Abstract: A method for quantifying bacterial spore germination can include creating an ex vivo assay including bacteria spores and a homogenized stool sample. The ex vivo assay can be loaded into a microfluidic chip. Vegetative bacteria and the bacteria spores can be detected by sampling the mixture in the microfluidic chip using impedance cytometry to assess disruption of host microbiota.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2021Publication date: September 14, 2023Inventors: Nathan Swami, Cirle Alcantrara Warren, John Hudson Moore, II, Carlos Honrado, Armita Salahi
-
Patent number: 11590501Abstract: A microfluidic device can include an upstream passage, a sample passage, a bifurcating passage, and a combining passage. The upstream passage can be configured to provide a focusing stream. The sample passage can be configured to provide a sample stream. The bifurcating passage can include a specified bifurcating flow resistance. The combining passage can be configured to create a combined stream from the focusing stream and the sample stream, where the focusing stream can direct the sample stream away from the upstream passage and toward the bifurcating passage. A first portion of the combined stream can be discharged through the bifurcating passage. The main discharge can be configured to discharge a second portion of the combined stream. The main discharge can include a main discharge resistance that is selectable to vary the main discharge resistance relative to the bifurcating flow resistance.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Nathan Swami, Walter Varhue, Linda W. Langman, Kenneth Brayman, Shayn Peirce-Cottler
-
Publication number: 20230022460Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described herein for identifying, monitoring, isolating, or selecting a cell having a predefined characteristic in a mixed population of cells utilizing a combination of any one or more of iDEP, a region of localized field enhancement, a variable frequency electric field, a wide bandwidth amplifier, and/or an imaging apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: Nathan Swami, Ali Rohani, Vahid Farmehini, Walter Varhue
-
Patent number: 11339417Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described herein for identifying, monitoring, isolating, or selecting a cell having a predefined characteristic in a mixed population of cells utilizing a combination of any one or more of iDEP, a region of localized field enhancement, a variable frequency electric field, a wide bandwidth amplifier, and/or an imaging apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 24, 2022Assignee: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Nathan Swami, Yi-Hsuan Su, Cirle Alcantara Warren, Ali Rohani, Vahid Farmehini
-
Publication number: 20220118446Abstract: A microfluidic device can include a superstructure defining a microfluidic channel therein and a first hydrogel bonded to the microfluidic channel to define a perfusable channel therein, the first hydrogel including cells embedded therein or thereon. The microfluidic device can optionally include a second hydrogel bonded to the microfluidic channel or to the hydrogel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2021Publication date: April 21, 2022Inventors: Nathan Swami, Walter Varhue, George Christ, Shayn Peirce-Cottler, Aditya Rane
-
Publication number: 20220091014Abstract: An exemplary method and system is disclosed that facilitate the integration of on-chip impedance sensors and measurement circuitries, e.g., in characterizing internal microfluidic structures and/or in cell or particle cytometry, for quantifying the impedance/frequency response of microfluidic device under the same, or similar, conditions used for particle manipulation. In some embodiments, the exemplary method and system employs a circuit configured for automated determination and quantification of parasitic voltage drops during AC electrokinetic particle manipulation, without the need to use valuable biological samples or model particles. The determined impedance response can be used to assess efficacy of the microfluidic device geometry as well as to provide control signals to inform downstream cell separation decisions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2020Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Nathan SWAMI, Walter VARHUE, Vahid FARMEHINI
-
Publication number: 20220048030Abstract: A microfluidic device can include an upstream passage, a sample passage, a bifurcating passage, and a combining passage. The upstream passage can be configured to provide a focusing stream. The sample passage can be configured to provide a sample stream. The bifurcating passage can include a specified bifurcating flow resistance. The combining passage can be configured to create a combined stream from the focusing stream and the sample stream, where the focusing stream can direct the sample stream away from the upstream passage and toward the bifurcating passage. A first portion of the combined stream can be discharged through the bifurcating passage. The main discharge can be configured to discharge a second portion of the combined stream. The main discharge can include a main discharge resistance that is selectable to vary the main discharge resistance relative to the bifurcating flow resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Nathan Swami, Walter Varhue, Linda W. Langman, Kenneth Brayman, Shayn Peirce-Cottler
-
Publication number: 20220034780Abstract: An exemplary method and system is disclosed that facilitate the integration of multiplexed single-cell impedance cytometry in a high throughput format, which can be deployed upstream from microfluidic sample preparation and/or downstream to microfluidic cell separation. In exemplary method and system may employ impedance-based quantification of cell electrophysiology on the same microfluidic chip (i.e., “on-chip”) to provide distinguishing phenotypic information on the sample, without the need for additional sample handling, preparation or dilution steps as would be needed for other flow cytometry techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: Nathan SWAMI, John MCGRATH, Walter VARHUE, Carlos HONRADO, Vahid FARMEHINI, Yi LIU
-
Publication number: 20210093778Abstract: System and method to improve drug delivery to identified regions in the brain or elsewhere through direct infusion of a therapeutic agent or the like into that region. This direct infusion will allow for greater concentrations of the agent in the target region while reducing concentrations elsewhere in the body where these agents may be toxic. The system and method improves efficacy while reducing unwanted side effects. The system includes an array of multiple, independently targeted, microporous catheters for insertion into the target region and a distribution system that allows for individualized flow control to each catheter. The system may be connected to a reservoir that contains the therapeutic agent, and flow to the system is maintained through one or more pumps. This system will greatly improve on the current single catheter infusion design and shall provide therapy, delivered through multiple catheters, thus delivering the therapy evenly over a customizable volume.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2019Publication date: April 1, 2021Applicant: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Edward H. Bertram, Nathan Swami, Walter Varhue
-
Publication number: 20200353469Abstract: A microfluidic device can include an upstream passage, a sample passage, a bifurcating passage, and a combining passage. The upstream passage can be configured to provide a focusing stream. The sample passage can be configured to provide a sample stream. The bifurcating passage can include a specified bifurcating flow resistance. The combining passage can be configured to create a combined stream from the focusing stream and the sample stream, where the focusing stream can direct the sample stream away from the upstream passage and toward the bifurcating passage. A first portion of the combined stream can be discharged through the bifurcating passage. The main discharge can be configured to discharge a second portion of the combined stream. The main discharge can include a main discharge resistance that is selectable to vary the main discharge resistance relative to the bifurcating flow resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2017Publication date: November 12, 2020Applicant: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Nathan SWAMI, Waiter VARHUE, Linda W. LANGMAN, Kenneth BRAYMAN, Shayn PEIRCE-COTTLER
-
Publication number: 20170218424Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described herein for identifying, monitoring, isolating, or selecting a cell having a predefined characteristic in a mixed population of cells utilizing a combination of any one or more of iDEP, a region of localized field enhancement, a variable frequency electric field, a wide bandwidth amplifier, and/or an imaging apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: August 3, 2017Inventors: Nathan Swami, Yi-Hsuan Su, Cirle Alcantara Warren, Ali Rohani, Vahid Farmehini
-
Publication number: 20130248713Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced THz radiation coupling to molecules, includes the steps of depositing a test material near the discontinuity edges of a slotted member, and enhancing the THz radiation by transmitting THz radiation through the slots. The molecules of the test material are illuminated by the enhanced THz radiation that has been transmitted through the slots, thereby producing an increased coupling of EM radiation in the THz spectral range to said material. The molecules can be bio-molecules, explosive materials, or species of organisms. The slotted member can be a semiconductor film, a metallic film, in particular InSb, or layers thereof. THz detectors sense near field THz radiation that has been transmitted through said slots and the test material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: Direct Source International, LLCInventors: Boris Gelmont, Tatiana Globus, Robert M. Weikle, Arthur Weston Lichtenberger, Nathan Swami, Ramakrishnan Parthasarathy, Alexei Bykhovski
-
Patent number: 8525115Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced THz radiation coupling to molecules, includes the steps of depositing a test material near the discontinuity edges of a slotted member, and enhancing the THz radiation by transmitting THz radiation through the slots. The molecules of the test material are illuminated by the enhanced THz radiation that has been transmitted through the slots, thereby producing an increased coupling of EM radiation in the THz spectral range to said material. The molecules can be bio-molecules, explosive materials, or species of organisms. The slotted member can be a semiconductor film, a metallic film, in particular InSb, or layers thereof. THz detectors sense near field THz radiation that has been transmitted through said slots and the test material.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Boris Gelmont, Tatiana Globus, Nathan Swami, Robert M Weikle, Arthur Weston Lichtenberger, Ramakrishnan Parthasarathy, Alexei Bykhovski
-
Patent number: 8309930Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced THz radiation coupling to molecules, includes the steps of depositing a test material near the discontinuity edges of a slotted member, and enhancing the THz radiation by transmitting THz radiation through the slots. The molecules of the test material are illuminated by the enhanced THz radiation that has been transmitted through the slots, thereby producing an increased coupling of EM radiation in the THz spectral range to said material. The molecules can be bio-molecules, explosive materials, or species of organisms. The slotted member can be a semiconductor film, a metallic film, in particular InSb, or layers thereof. THz detectors sense near field THz radiation that has been transmitted through said slots and the test material.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: University of Virginia Patent FoundationInventors: Boris Gelmont, Tatiana Globus, Robert M Weikle, Arthur Weston Linchtenberger, Nathan Swami, Ramakrishnan Parthasarthy, Alexei Bykhovski
-
Publication number: 20020177135Abstract: The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Hau H. Doung, Gary Blackburn, Jon F. Kayyem, Stephen D. O'Connor, Gary T. Olsen, Robert Pietri, Nathan Swami, Robert H. Terbrueggen