Patents Assigned to Trustees of Tufts College
  • Publication number: 20160095599
    Abstract: A bioresorbable drug-eluting biopolymer suture-free blood vessel anastomosis devices can be deployed to join two blood vessels and resorbed by the body over a predetermined time period after the blood vessel has become joined. The anastomosis device can include a hollow tube that is inserted interconnect the two vessels to be jointed. A non-piercing suture is wrapped around the vessel to secure the anastomosis. The anastomosis device can include hollow tube that extends along an axis from a first end to a second end. The ends can be fitted with elements that facilitate mechanical attachment of the vessel to the anastomosis device and provide for a secure seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Applicants: Trustees of Tufts College, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodrigo R. Jose, Waseem K. Raja, David L. Kaplan, Ahmed Ibrahim, Samuel Lin, Abdurrahman Abdurrob
  • Patent number: 9299130
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to providing image fusion using a number of image processing approaches. In one embodiment, a single image is processed and image fusion is performed. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, image enhancement, denoising, edge detection, etc., can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGE
    Inventors: Karen A. Panetta, Shahan Nercessian, Sos Agaian
  • Patent number: 9290579
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming an immobilized agent gradient within a 3-dimensional porous scaffold. A 3-dimensional scaffold formed from a biocompatible material is provided. The surface of the scaffold and/or the agent is activated so as to allow binding of the agent to the scaffold. The activated scaffold is contacted with a solution containing the agent. Contact with the solution is maintained for a sufficient period of time to allow diffusion of the solution through a portion of the scaffold, thereby forming a desired gradient of the agent through the 3-dimensional scaffold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignees: Trustees of Tufts College, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Charu Vepari, David L. Kaplan, Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
  • Patent number: 9284337
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating cancer, comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that inhibits a plurality of mammalian dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) IV activity and/or structural homologues thereof (DASH) serine proteases. Also disclosed is a method of (a) increasing antitumor immunity, (b) stimulating or enhancing an immune response, (c) treating a condition characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, (d) increasing cytokine and/or chemokine production, or (e) stimulating or enhancing production of T-cells, in a mammal, comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound that inhibits a plurality of mammalian DASH serine proteases. For example, the compound that inhibits a plurality of mammalian DASH serine proteases may be t-butylGly-boroPro.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventor: William W. Bachovchin
  • Publication number: 20160046679
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides certain silk-fibroin compositions with particular characteristics and/or properties. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides low molecular weight compositions. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides silk fibroin compositions that comprise an active (e.g., a biological) agent or component. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides low molecular weight silk fibroin compositions that comprise an active (e.g., a biological) agent or component. In some embodiments, an active agent is stabilized in a silk composition, e.g., for a period of time and/or against certain conditions or events. In some embodiments, a component present in a silk fibroin composition may be subject to analysis and/or characterization. In some embodiments, a component present in a silk fibroin composition may be recovered from the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Applicant: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Kluge, Fiorenzo G. Omenetto, David L. Kaplan
  • Publication number: 20160038637
    Abstract: The present invention provides for compositions and methods for preparing aqueous insoluble, ductile, flexible silk fibroin films. The silk films comprise silk fibroin and about 10% to about 50% (w/w) glycerol, and are prepared by entirely aqueous processes. The ductile silk film may be further treated by extracting the glycerol from and re-drying the silk film. Active agents may be embedded in or deposited on the glycerol modified silk film for a variety of medical applications. The films may be shaped into 3-dimentional structures, or placed on support surfaces as labels or coatings. The glycerol modified silk films of the present invention are useful in variety of applications such as tissue engineering, medical devices or implants, drug delivery, and edible pharmaceutical or food labels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: Shenzhou Lu, Xiaoqin Wang, Fiorenzo Omenetto, David L. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 9254333
    Abstract: This invention provides for a process of rapidly forming silk fibroin gelation through ultrasonication. Under the appropriate conditions, gelation can be controlled to occur within two hours after the ultrasonication treatment. Biological materials, including viable cells, or therapeutic agents can be encapsulated in the hydrogels formed from the process and be used as delivery vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: Xiaoqin Wang, Jon Kluge, Gary G. Leisk, David L. Kaplan
  • Publication number: 20160032397
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for identifying subjects, including canine subjects, as having an elevated risk of developing cancer or having an undiagnosed cancer. These subjects are identified based on the presence of germ-line risk markers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicants: The Broad Institute, Inc., Trustees of Tufts College, Animal Health Trust
    Inventor: Malin MELIN
  • Patent number: 9212142
    Abstract: Disclosed are 6-(morpholinoalkyl)-substituted pyridines, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, that are active against a range of mammalian therapeutic indications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignees: Trustees of Tufts College, Arisaph Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Bachovchin, Hung-sen Lai, Daniel P. O'Connell, Wengen Wu, Christopher P. Kiritsy
  • Publication number: 20150353612
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to protein and peptide chemistry. More particularly, it relates to compounds, compositions and uses thereof for promoting and inhibiting angiogenesis. The peptides of the present disclosure include peptides comprising SEQ ID NOs: 1-4 which promote angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Further, the anti-angiogenic compounds of the present disclosure include antisense oligonucleotides that hybridize or are complementary to the polynucleotides of SEQ ID NOs: 5-16, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventor: Ira M. Herman
  • Patent number: 9192646
    Abstract: The invention provides compounds and methods for inhibiting proteases. One aspect of the invention features pro-soft inhibitors which react with an activating protease to release an active inhibitor moiety in proximity to a target protease. In certain instances, compounds inhibit proteasomes and/or post-proline cleaving enzymes (PPCE), such as dipeptidyl peptidase IV. The compounds of the invention provide a better therapeutic index, owing in part to reduced toxicity and/or improved specificity for the targeted protease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: William W. Bachovchin, Hung-sen Lai, Wengen Wu
  • Patent number: 9193708
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to substituted pyridines and pharmaceutially acceptable salts thereof that are active against a range of mammalian maladies. Another aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The present invention also relates to methods of treating a range of mammalian maladies or conditions, including but not limited to hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, coronary heart disease, angina, pellagra, Hartnup's syndrome, carcinoid syndrome, arterial occlusive disease, obesity, hypothyroidism, vasoconstriction, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, lipodystrophy, or dyslipidemia, raising serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and lowering serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: William W. Bachovchin, Hung-sen Lai
  • Publication number: 20150299795
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for identifying subjects, including canine subjects, having an elevated risk of developing cancer or having an undiagnosed cancer. These subjects are identified based on the presence of germ-line allele(s) and markers and various somatic mutations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicants: The Broad Institute, Inc., Trustees of Tufts College, North Carolina State University, Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Noriko Tonomura, Evan Mauceli, Jaime Modiano, Matthew Breen
  • Patent number: 9157113
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College, Tufts University
    Inventors: David R. Walt, Todd A. Dickinson
  • Publication number: 20150267187
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a designer or recombinant ubiquitin ligase molecule that includes an antibody fragment that is specific for a toxin active fragment, wherein the toxin active fragment is an enzymatically active fragment of one or more toxins or toxin serotypes; and an E3-ligase domain that comprises an E3-ligase or polypeptide that facilitates E2-mediated ubiquitination of the toxin active fragment. In an embodiment, the composition further includes a delivery system that allow the designer ubiquitin ligase to enter the cell. The present invention further includes methods for treating an individual intoxicated with a toxin by administering the designer ubiquitin ligase of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGE
    Inventor: Trustees of Tufts College
  • Patent number: 9132197
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes for producing porous silk fibroin scaffold material. The porous silk fibroin scaffold can be used for tissue engineering. The porosity of the silk fibroin scaffolds described herein can be adjusted as to mimic the gradient of densities found in natural tissue. Accordingly, methods for engineering of 3-dimensional tissue, e.g. bone and cartilage, using the silk fibroin scaffold material are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David L. Kaplan, Rina Nazarov, Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, Lorenz Meinel
  • Publication number: 20150233905
    Abstract: Arrays of single molecules and methods of producing an array of single molecules are described. Arrays with defined volumes between 10 attoliters and 50 picoliters enable single molecule detection and quantitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David R. Walt, David M. Rissin
  • Patent number: 9102756
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of peptide and polypeptide analogs that are resistant to proteolysis, pharmaceutical uses thereof, and methods of preparation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: William W. Bachovchin, Hung-sen Lai, David George Sanford
  • Patent number: 9102916
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lamellae tissue layer, comprising a grooved silk fibroin substrate comprising tissue-specific cells. The silk fibroin substrates provides an excellent means of controlling and culturing cell and extracellular matrix development. A multitude of lamellae tissue layers can be used to create a tissue-engineered organ, such as a tissue-engineered cornea. The tissue-engineered organ is non-immunogenic and biocompatible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David L. Kaplan, Fiorenzo Omenetto, Jeffrey K. Marchant, Noorjahan Panjwani, Brian Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20150202351
    Abstract: Provided herein relates to implantable devices and systems with dynamic silk coatings. In some embodiments, the dynamic silk coatings can be formed in situ or in vivo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGE
    Inventors: David L. Kaplan, Lee W. Tien, Gary G. Leisk, Tim Jia-Ching Lo, Cinzia Metallo, Fiorenzo Omenetto