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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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