Patents Assigned to Montana State University
  • Patent number: 12319385
    Abstract: Wettable structures that retain liquid layers are defined at surfaces of substrates. The wettable structures include grooves or ridges that are spaced apart by between 10 nm and 10 ?m and can be defined in substrate or in a layer formed on a surface of the substrate. In typical examples, wettable structures are defined with hydrophobic materials or at hydrophobic surfaces and produce hydrophilic surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignees: Montana State University, Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska
    Inventors: Leon G. Higley, Robert K. D. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20250066752
    Abstract: CRISPR RNA-guided nucleases are routinely used for sequence-specific manipulation of DNA. While CRISPR-based DNA editing has become routine, analogous methods for editing RNA have yet to be established. Here we repurpose the type III-A CRISPR RNA-guided nuclease for sequence-specific cleavage of the SARS-COV-2 genome. The type III cleavage reaction is performed in vitro using purified viral RNA, resulting in sequence-specific excision of 6, 12, 18 or 24 nucleotides. Ligation of the cleavage products is facilitated by a DNA splint that bridges the excision and RNA ligase is used to link the RNA products before transfection into mammalian cells. The SARS-COV-2 RNA is infectious and standard plaque assays are used to recover viral clones. Collectively, this work demonstrates how type III CRISPR systems can be repurposed for sequence-specific editing of RNA viruses including SARS-COV-2 and more generally for gene therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2024
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Applicant: Montana State University
    Inventors: Blake A. WIEDENHEFT, Joseph E. NICHOLS, Anna A. NEMUDRAIA, Artem A. NEMUDRYI
  • Patent number: 12061287
    Abstract: A beam transmitter, a receiver, and a LIDAR, along with methods to operate each are provided. The beam transmitter comprises a first and a second transmission channel (201a, 201b), each transmission channel including a first online laser, a first offline laser, and a first laser transmission selection switch operable to toggle between including the first online laser signal and the first offline laser signal in a first transmission beam. The beam transmitter further includes at least one light redirection device operable to coalign the first transmission beam with the second transmission beam. The receiver comprises a first splitter (402a, 402b), a first filter (404a, 404b), a first detector channel (406a, 406b), a second splitter (408a, 408b), a second filter (410a, 410b), and a second detector channel (412a, 412b). The LIDAR includes the beam transmitter, the receiver, and a shared telescope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignees: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Montana State University
    Inventors: Robert Stillwell, Scott Spuler, Matthew Hayman, Kevin S. Repasky
  • Patent number: 12009475
    Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to an all-solid-state battery including a solid electrolyte. In one aspect, a device includes a first layer of an ionically conducting oxide, a second layer of the ionically conducting oxide disposed on the first layer, and an anode disposed on the second layer of the ionically conducting oxide. The first layer defines through pores having a tortuosity of about 1. The first layer includes transition metal oxide particles and an ionically conducting solid disposed in the through pores. The transition metal oxide particles are a cathode. The first layer and the ionically conducting solid are an electrolyte. The second layer does not define any through pores. The second layer is a separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignees: The Regents of the University of California, Montana State University
    Inventors: Eongyu Yi, Marca Doeff, Guoying Chen, Stephen Sofie
  • Publication number: 20240182988
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to engineered systems and methods for detecting target nucleic acid in a sample, which may be a complex mixture. The systems and methods may improve sensitivity of target nucleic acid detection by enhancing signal generation. For example, signal generation may be enhanced through programmable capture and concentration of the target nucleic acid using an engineered type III CRISPR complex. Various ancillary nucleases such as Can1, Can2, and NucC are identified and may be used for detection. For example, binding of the engineered type III CRISPR complex may produce products that activate the identified ancillary nucleases. Different activators trigger changes in the substrate specificity of these nucleases. The activated nucleases may be used to detect programmatic detection of the target nucleic in the sample. The systems and methods are shown to detect viral RNA directly from nasopharyngeal swab samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2023
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Applicant: Montana State University
    Inventors: Blake A. WIEDENHEFT, Andrew SANTIAGO-FRANGOS, Anna A. NEMUDRAIA, Artem A. NEMUDRYI
  • Patent number: 11859145
    Abstract: An improved alkaline pretreatment of biomass is provided that is a single-stage, two oxidant alkaline oxidative pretreatment process. The process uses a homogenous catalyst with at least two oxidants (Hydrogen peroxide and enhanced levels of oxygen) in an alkaline environment to catalytically pretreat lignocellulosic biomass in a single-stage oxidation reaction. The provided single-stage alkaline-oxidative pretreatment improves biomass pretreatment and increase enzymatic digestibility to improve the economic feasibility of production of lignocellulose derived sugars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University, Montana State University, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Eric L. Hegg, Zhaoyang Yuan, David B. Hodge, Shannon S. Stahl, Bryan D. Bals
  • Publication number: 20230243853
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying biomarkers of disease capable of affecting cognitive function. The biomarkers identified by the methods of the prevention may be used for predicting whether a mammal will develop a disease capable of affecting cognitive function. More specifically, the present invention relates to the identification of biomarkers predictive of neurological diseases in a mammal and the use of these biomarkers in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and/or prognosis of the neurological disease. The methods and systems provided enable an assessment and theoretical prediction of neocortical amyloid loading based on the measurement of biomarkers that will provide an indication of whether a mammal is likely to develop a neurological disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicants: CRC for Mental Health Ltd, Montana State University
    Inventors: Blaine Roberts, Edward A. Dratz, Scott Laffoon
  • Publication number: 20230212701
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for detecting viruses, e.g., using microfluidic devices. Certain embodiments are generally directed to systems and methods that are able to detect pathogens such as viruses or bacteria by encapsulating a sample in droplets, and applying amplification reagents to the droplets able to amplify nucleic acids therein, e.g., using loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) or other amplification techniques. In addition, some aspects are generally directed to identifying a species in a sample, e.g., at very low concentrations. In some cases, the sample may be broken into droplets, arid the droplets determined to determine the species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicants: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Montana State University
    Inventors: David A. Weitz, Connie Chang Wilking, Dimitri A. Bikos, Emma Kate Loveday, Geoffrey K. Zath
  • Publication number: 20220363343
    Abstract: Wettable structures that retain liquid layers are defined at surfaces of substrates. The wettable structures include grooves or ridges that are spaced apart by between 10 nm and 10 ?m and can be defined in substrate or in a layer formed on a surface of the substrate. In typical examples, wettable structures are defined with hydrophobic materials or at hydrophobic surfaces and produce hydrophilic surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicant: Montana State University
    Inventors: Leon G. Higley, Robert K. D. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20220280580
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to therapeutic compositions comprising recombinant bacteria. Further, the disclosure elaborates upon methods of utilizing the herein described therapeutic compositions to treat autoimmune and inflammatory disease. The present teachings also relate to the disclosed recombinant bacteria and methods of producing the recombinant bacteria utilized in the compositions and methods. Further taught herein are dietary supplements and food additive compositions comprising the taught recombinant bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicant: Montana State University
    Inventors: David Pascual, Massimo Maddaloni
  • Patent number: 11367551
    Abstract: Large magnetic moment compositions are formed by stabilizing ternary or other alloys with a epitaxial control layer. Compositions that are unstable in bulk specimen are thus stabilized and exhibit magnetic moments that are greater that a Slater-Pauling limit. In one example, FexCoyMnz layers are produced on an MgO(001) substrate with an MgO surface serving to control the structure of the FexCoyMnz layers. Magnetizations greater than 3 Bohr magnetons are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignees: Montana State University, The Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Ryan J. Snow, Yves U. Idzerda, Elke Arenholz
  • Patent number: 11243295
    Abstract: A filter for a micropulse differential absorption LIDAR is provided. The filter comprises an etalon including a free spectral range substantially the same as a difference between a first laser wavelength and a second laser wavelength, the etalon further including a finesse providing substantial background noise suppression and substantially constant transmission of the first laser wavelength and the second laser wavelength over a predetermined range of wavelengths, and a first filter having a first filter bandpass selected to include the first laser wavelength and the second laser wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignees: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Montana State University, NASA Langley Research Center
    Inventors: Scott M. Spuler, Kevin S. Repasky, Amin R. Nehrir
  • Patent number: 11208642
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions of non-naturally occurring enzymes to enable microbial syringol utilization with GcoAB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignees: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC, Montana State University, University of Portsmouth
    Inventors: Gregg Tyler Beckham, Jennifer DuBois, Melodie M. Machovina, Simon James Bradshaw Mallinson, John E. McGeehan, Christopher W. Johnson, Alexander William Meyers
  • Patent number: 11143748
    Abstract: A shared optics and telescope for transmitting a transmission beam and receiving a return signal is provided. The shared optics and telescope includes a pair of axicon lenses operable to shape the transmission beam into an annular beam having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, a secondary mirror operable to deflect the annular beam into a deflected annular transmission beam, and a primary mirror that includes an inner mirror portion and an outer mirror portion, the inner mirror portion operable to expand the deflected annular transmission beam, and the outer mirror portion operable to collect the return signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignees: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Montana State University, NASA Langley Research Center
    Inventor: Scott M. Spuler
  • Publication number: 20210162351
    Abstract: Processes for manufacturing continuous laterally graded porous membranes are disclosed. Such processes utilize freeze casting techniques with a continuous varying solids loading method to make laterally graded porous membranes. Also disclosed are laterally graded porous membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Applicant: Montana State University
    Inventors: Stephen W. Sofie, Lee H. Spangler
  • Patent number: 10877049
    Abstract: Biomarkers associated with neuroimmunological disease are described. The disclosed biomarkers are secreted proteins identified in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients with neurological disease. The disclosed biomarkers identify patients with intrathecal inflammation, distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from patients with other types of inflammatory neurological diseases and from subjects without MS, distinguish progressive MS patients from patients with relapsing-remitting MS, identify subjects with non-MS inflammatory neurological diseases, differentiate healthy subjects from patients with any type of neurological disease, and/or identify subjects with increased disability, CNS tissue damage and/or neurodegeneration. Process-specific biomarkers that can be used in place of a brain biopsy to identify immune cell infiltration and/or activation in the CNS are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignees: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, Montana State University
    Inventors: Bibiana Bielekova, Mika Komori, Peter Kosa, Mark C. Greenwood, Christopher Barbour
  • Publication number: 20200312510
    Abstract: Large magnetic moment compositions are formed by stabilizing ternary or other alloys with a epitaxial control layer. Compositions that are unstable in bulk specimen are thus stabilized and exhibit magnetic moments that are greater that a Slater-Pauling limit. In one example, FexCoyMnz layers are produced on an MgO(001) substrate with an MgO surface serving to control the structure of the FexCoyMnz layers. Magnetizations greater than 3 Bohr magnetons are produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicants: Montana State University, The Regents of The University of California
    Inventors: Ryan J. Snow, Yves U. Idzerda, Elke Arenholz
  • Patent number: 10605900
    Abstract: A shared optics and telescope, a filter, and a micropulse differential absorption LIDAR are provided, with methods to use the same. The shared optics and telescope includes a pair of axicon lenses, a secondary mirror, a primary mirror including an inner mirror portion and an outer mirror portion, the inner mirror portion operable to expand the deflected annular transmission beam, and the outer mirror portion operable to collect the return signal. The filter includes an etalon and a first filter. The micropulse differential absorption LIDAR includes first and second laser signals, a laser transmission beam selection switch, a first laser return signal switch, and a toggle timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignees: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, Montana State University, NASA Langley Research Center
    Inventors: Scott M Spuler, Kevin S Repasky, Amin R Nehrir
  • Publication number: 20190265254
    Abstract: Biomarkers associated with neuroimmunological disease are described. The disclosed biomarkers are secreted proteins identified in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples of patients with neurological disease. The disclosed biomarkers identify patients with intrathecal inflammation, distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from patients with other types of inflammatory neurological diseases and from subjects without MS, distinguish progressive MS patients from patients with relapsing-remitting MS, identify subjects with non-MS inflammatory neurological diseases, differentiate healthy subjects from patients with any type of neurological disease, and/or identify subjects with increased disability, CNS tissue damage and/or neurodegeneration. Process-specific biomarkers that can be used in place of a brain biopsy to identify immune cell infiltration and/or activation in the CNS are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicants: The U.S.A., as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services, Montana State University
    Inventors: Bibiana Bielekova, Mika Komori, Peter Kosa, Mark C. Greenwood, Christopher Barbour
  • Patent number: 10307527
    Abstract: Systems, compositions, methods and kits employ protein shells, such as ferritin or viral capsid shells, herein called nanobubbles, to enhance X-ray images of cells or body tissue under certain x-ray imaging methods. The nanobubbles have sub-micron size such as about 10 nm, about 40, 60, or 100 nm and may be functionalized for effective delivery to or uptake by a target tissue, in vivo or a cell culture. The nanobubbles are hollow, having a central core which may be empty or contain a fluid, such that the shells effectively form long-lived bubbles in the imaged environment, and are of low electron density and have different scattering properties than the surrounding tissue. X-ray imaging by spatial frequency heterodyne imaging enhances visualization or detection of tissue regions bearing the shells. The protein shells may be further treated to assure biocompatibility and/or to resist undesired interactions with non-targeted tissue, such as scavenging by the liver, or attack by the immune system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignees: Brown University, Montana State University
    Inventors: Christoph Rose-Petruck, Trevor Douglas, Danielle Rand, Masaki Uchida