Patents Assigned to DURHAM UNIVERSITY
  • Patent number: 11862394
    Abstract: An electrochemical capacitor (300) for use with a biofilm is presented. The electrochemical capacitor includes a first electrode (324) coupled to a first porous layer (326), a second electrode (334) coupled to a second porous layer (336); and an electrolyte (310) provided between the first porous layer (326) and the second porous layer (336). At least one of the first porous layer (326) and the second porous layer (336) has a plurality of cavities adapted to receive redox-active metabolites produced by the biofilm. Also presented is an electrochemical capacitor device, such as a skin patch that includes a support layer attached to the electrochemical capacitor (300). Also presented is a power source that includes the electrochemical capacitor (300) and a biofilm provided between the first electrode (324) and the second electrode (334) of the electrochemical capacitor (300).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: DURHAM UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ritu Kataky, Karl Coleman, Gary Sharples
  • Publication number: 20230149567
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of opening a lipid bilayer by associating the lipid bilayer with a molecule that includes a moving component capable of moving (e.g., rotating) in response to an external stimulus; and exposing the molecule to an external stimulus before, during or after associating the molecule with the lipid bilayer. The exposing causes the moving component of the molecule to move and thereby open the lipid bilayer (e.g., by pore formation). The external stimuli may include an energy source, such as ultraviolet light. The opened lipid bilayer may be a component of cell membranes in vitro or in vivo. The opening of the lipid bilayer may allow for the passage of various materials (e.g., active agents, such as peptide-based drugs) through the lipid bilayer and into cells. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the aforementioned molecules for opening lipid bilayers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicants: William Marsh Rice University, Durham University
    Inventors: James M. TOUR, Robert PAL, Victor GARCÍA LÓPEZ, Lizanne NILEWSKI
  • Patent number: 11565003
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of opening a lipid bilayer by associating the lipid bilayer with a molecule that includes a moving component capable of moving (e.g., rotating) in response to an external stimulus; and exposing the molecule to an external stimulus before, during or after associating the molecule with the lipid bilayer. The exposing causes the moving component of the molecule to move and thereby open the lipid bilayer (e.g., by pore formation). The external stimuli may include an energy source, such as ultraviolet light. The opened lipid bilayer may be a component of cell membranes in vitro or in vivo. The opening of the lipid bilayer may allow for the passage of various materials (e.g., active agents, such as peptide-based drugs) through the lipid bilayer and into cells. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the aforementioned molecules for opening lipid bilayers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignees: William Marsh Rice University, Durham University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Robert Pal, Victor García López, Lizanne Nilewski
  • Patent number: 11351604
    Abstract: Methods for preparing a layered metal nanocomposite and a layered metal nanocomposite. The method includes mixing a magnesium salt and an aluminum salt to form a Mg2+/Al3+ solution. The Mg/Al has a molar ratio of between 0.5:1 to 6:1. Then a diamondoid compound is added to the Mg2+/Al3+ solution to form a reactant mixture. The diamondoid compound has at least one carboxylic acid moiety. The reactant mixture is heated at a reaction temperature for a reaction time to form a Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide. The Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide is thermally decomposed under a reducing atmosphere for a decomposition time at a decomposition temperature to form the layered metal nanocomposite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University
    Inventors: Manohara Gudiyor Veerabhadrappa, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Andrew Whiting, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Alabedi
  • Patent number: 11154623
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of opening a lipid bilayer by associating the lipid bilayer with a molecule that includes a moving component capable of moving (e.g., rotating) in response to an external stimulus; and exposing the molecule to an external stimulus before, during or after associating the molecule with the lipid bilayer. The exposing causes the moving component of the molecule to move and thereby open the lipid bilayer (e.g., by pore formation). The external stimuli may include an energy source, such as ultraviolet light. The opened lipid bilayer may be a component of cell membranes in vitro or in vivo. The opening of the lipid bilayer may allow for the passage of various materials (e.g., active agents, such as peptide-based drugs) through the lipid bilayer and into cells. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the aforementioned molecules for opening lipid bilayers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignees: WILLIAM MARSH RICE UNIVERSITY, DURHAM UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Robert Pal, Victor García-López, Lizanne Nilewski
  • Publication number: 20210252166
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of opening a lipid bilayer by associating the lipid bilayer with a molecule that includes a moving component capable of moving (e.g., rotating) in response to an external stimulus; and exposing the molecule to an external stimulus before, during or after associating the molecule with the lipid bilayer. The exposing causes the moving component of the molecule to move and thereby open the lipid bilayer (e.g., by pore formation). The external stimuli may include an energy source, such as ultraviolet light. The opened lipid bilayer may be a component of cell membranes in vitro or in vivo. The opening of the lipid bilayer may allow for the passage of various materials (e.g., active agents, such as peptide-based drugs) through the lipid bilayer and into cells. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to the aforementioned molecules for opening lipid bilayers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicants: William Marsh Rice University, Durham University
    Inventors: James M. Tour, Robert Pal, Victor García López, Lizanne Nilewski
  • Patent number: 11034880
    Abstract: Oil-based drilling fluid compositions comprising an oil phase comprising a base oil, an aqueous phase comprising water, at least one emulsifier, and one or more additives. The at least one emulsifier comprises an amino amide comprising the formula R—CO—NH—R?—NH—R?—NH2, where R is a fatty acid alkyl and R? and R? are alkyl groups. The one or more additives are chosen from a wetting agent, a rheology modifier, a fluid-loss control additive, and a weighting additive. Methods of making the oil-based drilling fluid compositions and methods of drilling a subterranean well utilizing the oil-based drilling fluid compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Limited
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Mona Al Batal, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Andrew Whiting, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder
  • Patent number: 10988659
    Abstract: A method of preparing and a composition of an oil-based drilling fluid. An oil-based drilling fluid includes a base oil continuous phase, in which the base oil continuous phase includes a base oil, an aqueous dispersed phase, and at least one rheology modifier comprising a modified magnesium/aluminum carbonate layered-double hydroxide (Mg/Al—CO3 LDH) compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Andrew Whiting, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Manohara Gudiyor Veerabhadrappa, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder
  • Publication number: 20210086261
    Abstract: Methods for preparing a layered metal nanocomposite and a layered metal nanocomposite. The method includes mixing a magnesium salt and a aluminum salt to form a Mg2+/Al3+ solution. The Mg/Al has a molar ratio of between 0.5:1 to 6:1. Then a diamondoid compound is added to the Mg2+/Al3+ solution to form a reactant mixture. The diamondoid compound has at least one carboxylic acid moiety. The reactant mixture is heated at a reaction temperature for a reaction time to form a Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide. The Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide is thermally decomposed under a reducing atmosphere for a decomposition time at a decomposition temperature to form the layered metal nanocomposite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicants: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University
    Inventors: Manohara Gudiyor Veerabhadrappa, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Andrew Whiting, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Alabedi
  • Patent number: 10954425
    Abstract: Oil-based drilling fluid compositions comprising an oil phase comprising a base oil, an aqueous phase comprising water, at least one emulsifier, and one or more additives. The at least one emulsifier comprises an amino amide comprising the formula R—CO—NH—R?—NH2, where R is a fatty acid alkyl and R? is an alkyl group. The one or more additives are chosen from a wetting agent, a rheology modifier, a fluid-loss control additive, and a weighting additive. Methods of making the oil-based drilling fluid compositions and methods of drilling a subterranean well utilizing the oil-based drilling fluid compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Andrew Whiting, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Mona Al Batal, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder
  • Patent number: 10906028
    Abstract: A method for preparing a transition-metal adamantane carboxylate salt is presented. The method includes mixing a transition-metal hydroxide and a diamondoid compound having at least one carboxylic acid moiety to form a reactant mixture, where M is a transition metal. Further, the method includes hydrothermally treating the reactant mixture at a reaction temperature for a reaction time to form the transition-metal adamantane carboxylate salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University
    Inventors: Manohara Gudiyor Veerabhadrappa, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Andrew Whiting, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Alabedi
  • Patent number: 10875092
    Abstract: Methods for preparing a layered metal nanocomposite and a layered metal nanocomposite. The method includes mixing a magnesium salt and a aluminum salt to form a Mg2+/Al3+ solution. The Mg/Al has a molar ratio of between 0.5:1 to 6:1. Then a diamondoid compound is added to the Mg2+/Al3+ solution to form a reactant mixture. The diamondoid compound has at least one carboxylic acid moiety. The reactant mixture is heated at a reaction temperature for a reaction time to form a Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide. The Mg/Al-diamondoid intercalated layered double hydroxide is thermally decomposed under a reducing atmosphere for a decomposition time at a decomposition temperature to form the layered metal nanocomposite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University
    Inventors: Manohara Gudiyor Veerabhadrappa, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Andrew Whiting, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Alabedi
  • Patent number: 10876039
    Abstract: Embodiments for an oil-based drilling fluid and methods of making the oil-based drilling fluid are provided, in which the oil-based drilling fluid comprising: an oil phase; an aqueous phase; at least one surfactant, in which at least one surfactant comprises a carboxylic acid having 10 or more glycol repeating units; and optionally, at least one emulsifying agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Andrew Whiting, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Mona Al Batal, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder
  • Patent number: 10870788
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a surfactant of formula (I) and incorporation of one or more surfactants into drilling fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University
    Inventors: Mona Al Batal, Andrew Whiting, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi
  • Patent number: 10793762
    Abstract: A drilling fluid and a method of preparing the drilling fluid. The oil-based drilling fluid includes a base oil continuous phase comprising a base oil, an aqueous dispersed phase and at least one rheology modifier. The at least one rheology modifier includes a magnesium/aluminum (Mg/Al) layered-double hydroxide (LDH) diamondoid compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Andrew Whiting, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Manohara Gudiyor Veerabhadrappa, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder
  • Patent number: 10745606
    Abstract: The present application discloses drilling fluid compositions, methods for making drilling fluids, and methods for drilling subterranean wells utilizing the drilling fluids. According to one embodiment, a drilling fluid composition may include an oil phase, an aqueous phase, and a rheology modifier. The rheology modifier may include a layered double hydroxide, such as Mg/Al-Myristate layered double hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Andrew Whiting, Manohara Gudiyor Veerabhadrappa, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder
  • Publication number: 20200255717
    Abstract: Oil-based drilling fluid compositions comprising an oil phase comprising a base oil, an aqueous phase comprising water, at least one emulsifier, and one or more additives. The at least one emulsifier comprises an amino amide comprising the formula R—CO—NH—R?—NH2, where R is a fatty acid alkyl and R? is an alkyl group. The one or more additives are chosen from a wetting agent, a rheology modifier, a fluid-loss control additive, and a weighting additive. Methods of making the oil-based drilling fluid compositions and methods of drilling a subterranean well utilizing the oil-based drilling fluid compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicants: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Andrew Whiting, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Mona Al Batal, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder
  • Publication number: 20200216742
    Abstract: Oil-based drilling fluid compositions comprising an oil phase comprising a base oil, an aqueous phase comprising water, at least one emulsifier, and one or more additives. The at least one emulsifier comprises an amino amide comprising the formula R—CO—NH—R?—NH—R?—NH2, where R is a fatty acid alkyl and R? and R? are alkyl groups. The one or more additives are chosen from a wetting agent, a rheology modifier, a fluid-loss control additive, and a weighting additive. Methods of making the oil-based drilling fluid compositions and methods of drilling a subterranean well utilizing the oil-based drilling fluid compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicants: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Limited
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Mona Al Batal, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Andrew Whiting, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder
  • Patent number: 10676658
    Abstract: Oil-based drilling fluid compositions comprising an oil phase comprising a base oil, an aqueous phase comprising water, at least one emulsifier, and one or more additives. The at least one emulsifier comprises an amino amide comprising the formula R—CO—NH—R?—NH2, where R is a fatty acid alkyl and R? is an alkyl group. The one or more additives are chosen from a wetting agent, a rheology modifier, a fluid-loss control additive, and a weighting additive. Methods of making the oil-based drilling fluid compositions and methods of drilling a subterranean well utilizing the oil-based drilling fluid compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Andrew Whiting, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, Mona Al Batal, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder
  • Patent number: 10647903
    Abstract: The present application discloses drilling fluid compositions, methods for making drilling fluids, and methods for drilling subterranean wells utilizing the drilling fluids. According to one embodiment, a drilling fluid composition may include an oil phase, an aqueous phase, an emulsifier, and a rheology modifier. The emulsifier may include an amino amide, and the rheology modifier may include a layered double hydroxide, such as Mg/Al-Myristate layered double hydroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignees: Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Durham University, M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd
    Inventors: Musarrat Halima Mohammed, Andrew Whiting, Mona Al Batal, Manohara Gudiyor Veerabhadrappa, Hugh Christopher Greenwell, John Adrian Hall, Gasan Selman Alabedi, Michael Hayward Hodder