Patents Assigned to Tuskegee University
  • Publication number: 20240197830
    Abstract: Interferon-?-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) peptides, IP-10 peptide variants and in silico designed C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) peptide agonists are described. The small peptides can be used for inhibiting pathological tissue remodeling and treating fibrosis in a subject, such as a subject with fibrosis of the heart, lung, liver, kidney or skin. The peptide agonists can also be used to treat cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Also described are in silico designed peptide antagonists that bind CXCR3 or ligands of CXCR3. These antagonist peptides block CXCR3 signaling by disrupting interaction of CXCR3 with its ligand. Antagonist peptides can be used, for example, to treat myocarditis and atherosclerosis. In additional embodiments agonists and antagonists of CXCR4 are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2024
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Tuskegee University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The United States Government as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Jesse Jaynes, Monte S. Willis, Richard J. Bodnar, Zariel I. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11918625
    Abstract: Interferon-?-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) peptides, IP-10 peptide variants and in silico designed C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) peptide agonists are described. The small peptides can be used for inhibiting pathological tissue remodeling and treating fibrosis in a subject, such as a subject with fibrosis of the heart, lung, liver, kidney or skin. The peptide agonists can also be used to treat cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Also described are in silico designed peptide antagonists that bind CXCR3 or ligands of CXCR3. These antagonist peptides block CXCR3 signaling by disrupting interaction of CXCR3 with its ligand. Antagonist peptides can be used, for example, to treat myocarditis and atherosclerosis. In additional embodiments agonists and antagonists of CXCR4 are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Jesse Jaynes
  • Publication number: 20220313777
    Abstract: Administration via inhalation of small peptides that mimic CXCL10 (FIBROKINE™ peptides) is described. The peptides can be administered as an aerosol, such as an aerosol with a droplet size small enough to reach lung alveoli. Use of the peptides to treat fibrosis, such as lung fibrosis, is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates, Timothy E. Corcoran, Zariel I. Johnson, Jesse Jaynes
  • Publication number: 20220257718
    Abstract: Interferon-?-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) peptides, IP-10 peptide variants and in silico designed C—X—C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) peptide agonists are described. The small peptides can be used for inhibiting pathological tissue remodeling and treating fibrosis in a subject, such as a subject with fibrosis of the heart, lung, liver, kidney or skin. The peptide agonists can also be used to treat cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Also described are in silico designed peptide antagonists that bind CXCR3 or ligands of CXCR3. These antagonist peptides block CXCR3 signaling by disrupting interaction of CXCR3 with its ligand. Antagonist peptides can be used, for example, to treat myocarditis and atherosclerosis. In additional embodiments agonists and antagonists of CXCR4 are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Jesse Jaynes
  • Patent number: 11374188
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a substrate layer, an anode layer on the substrate layer, an active layer on the anode layer, and a cathode layer on the active layer, wherein the active layer comprises a plurality of disparately sized n-type and p-type nano-particles of different semiconductor materials randomly distributed in a conductive polymer blend. The n-type nano-particles can include either ZnO or In2O3 nano-particles, and the p-type nano-particles can include either NiO or La2O3 nano-particles. The conductive polymer blend can include P3HT. The bandgaps of the nano-particles have corresponding energies ranging from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Naga Korivi, Kalyan Das
  • Patent number: 11338017
    Abstract: Interferon-?-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) peptides, IP-10 peptide variants and in silico designed C-X-C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) peptide agonists are described. The small peptides can be used for inhibiting pathological tissue remodeling and treating fibrosis in a subject, such as a subject with fibrosis of the heart, lung, liver, kidney or skin. The peptide agonists can also be used to treat cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Also described are in silico designed peptide antagonists that bind CXCR3 or ligands of CXCR3. These antagonist peptides block CXCR3 signaling by disrupting interaction of CXCR3 with its ligand. Antagonist peptides can be used, for example, to treat myocarditis and atherosclerosis. In additional embodiments agonists and antagonists of CXCR4 are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Jesse Jaynes
  • Publication number: 20210261431
    Abstract: This invention relates to cost-effective methods for synthesizing metallic nanoparticles in high yield using non-dendrimeric branched polymeric templates, such as branched polyethyleneimine. This invention also provides a high-throughput apparatus for synthesizing metallic nanoparticles under conditions that produce less waste than conventional nanoparticle synthesis methods. Also provided are metallic nanoparticles and multi-metallic nanoparticle compositions made by methods and high-throughput apparatus of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Michael L. CURRY, Aiesha L. ETHRIDGE, Demetrius FINLEY
  • Publication number: 20210263033
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for selectively detecting epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotypic cells but not noncancerous/normal epithelial cells and breast fibroblasts in a biological sample or a patient. The compositions comprise novel binding peptides that specifically bind to EMT cancer cells. EMT phenotypic cells can be identified using the specific peptides and quantitatively measured by detection of a complex of the peptide and a detectable marker. Further, nanodevices incorporating specific EMT phage ligand may be used to identify EMT cancer cells in vivo. Also disclosed are the novel binding phage peptides, and compositions and nanodevices containing the phage ligand for carrying out methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Deepa Bedi, Kelvin Jones
  • Patent number: 11035820
    Abstract: A general methodology for the development of sensitive and selective sensors that can achieve a low cost detection of glucose without using enzymes is disclosed. The method uses carbon nanofiber (CNF) array electrodes for the electrochemical detection of glucose. CNFs grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with diameters ranging from 13-160 nm and a height of approximately one micrometer are preferred. The CNFs have a sensitivity of 2.7 ?A/mM cm2 and detection limit of 2 mM. Also provided are methods of preparing the CNF sensors and kit components. Methods of using such CNF sensors for detecting target agents, particularly glucose, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Tamara Floyd Smith, Julaunica Tigner, Jessica Koehne
  • Patent number: 11013529
    Abstract: A handle system includes a body extending between a first end and a second end. The handle system also includes a slot extending, at least partially, in the body, the slot forming a cavity. The handle system further includes a carrier arranged, at least partially, within the slot, the carrier further comprising a friction locker and at least one arm coupled to the friction locker, the at least one arm being rotatable about the friction locker. The handle system also includes a cap arranged on at least one of the first end or the second end. The handle system further includes a blade coupled to the at least one arm, the blade being rotatable about the axis between a retracted position where the blade is positioned within the slot and an extended position where the blade extends outwardly from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Deidre Quinn-Gorham, Sharanabasaweshwara Asundi, Jimesh Bhagatji
  • Publication number: 20200144524
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a substrate layer, an anode layer on the substrate layer, an active layer on the anode layer, and a cathode layer on the active layer, wherein the active layer comprises a plurality of disparately sized n-type and p-type nano-particles of different semiconductor materials randomly distributed in a conductive polymer blend. The n-type nano-particles can include either ZnO or In2O3 nano-particles, and the p-type nano-particles can include either NiO or La2O3 nano-particles. The conductive polymer blend can include P3HT. The bandgaps of the nano-particles have corresponding energies ranging from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Applicant: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Naga Korivi, Kalyan Das
  • Publication number: 20200017904
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel genetic arrays for use in the molecular detection of multiple Salmonella serovars, common food-borne and water-borne pathogens. The arrays may be used to simultaneously detect multiple food safety Salmonella serovars. The multiplex-detection methods have improved sensitivity and specificity for the detection of multiple high-impact food-borne pathogens simultaneously. Real-time PCR assaying techniques using such serovars include microarrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Woubit ABDELA, Khaled ALDHAMI, Sayma AFROJ, Temesgen SAMUEL, Gopal REDDY
  • Publication number: 20190310223
    Abstract: A general methodology for the development of sensitive and selective sensors that can achieve a low cost detection of glucose without using enzymes is disclosed. The method uses carbon nanofiber (CNF) array electrodes for the electrochemical detection of glucose. CNFs grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with diameters ranging from 13-160 nm and a height of approximately one micrometer are preferred. The CNFs have a sensitivity of 2.7 ?A/mM cm2 and detection limit of 2 mM. Also provided are methods of preparing the CNF sensors and kit components. Methods of using such CNF sensors for detecting target agents, particularly glucose, are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicant: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Tamara Floyd SMITH, Julaunica TIGNER, Jessica KOEHNE
  • Publication number: 20190298802
    Abstract: Interferon-?-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) peptides, IP-10 peptide variants and in silico designed C—X—C chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) peptide agonists are described. The small peptides can be used for inhibiting pathological tissue remodeling and treating fibrosis in a subject, such as a subject with fibrosis of the heart, lung, liver, kidney or skin. The peptide agonists can also be used to treat cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Also described are in silico designed peptide antagonists that bind CXCR3 or ligands of CXCR3. These antagonist peptides block CXCR3 signaling by disrupting interaction of CXCR3 with its ligand. Antagonist peptides can be used, for example, to treat myocarditis and atherosclerosis. In additional embodiments agonists and antagonists of CXCR4 are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicants: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, Tuskegee University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: Cecelia C. Yates-Binder, Jesse Jaynes, Monte S. Willis, Richard J. Bodnar, Zariel I. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10295021
    Abstract: A case-emphasized propulsion method improves vehicle fuel efficiency. The ratio of the most-used speed to the most-desired speed of an IC engine is employed to control the engine to always run at its optimal working state with an efficient single-stage gear transmission. The propulsion method used with different brands of IC engines demonstrates a reduction in fuel consumption between 5 and 39%. An n-ratio automatic single-stage gear transmission implements the propulsion method. The transmission design executes the proposed propulsion method as well a continuous transmission, but it can also increase the propulsion efficiency about 8 to 18% when applied to replace traditional automatic transmissions or continuously variable transmissions in vehicle drivetrains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Tuskegee University
    Inventor: ShaoWei Gong
  • Publication number: 20160111668
    Abstract: A photovoltaic cell includes a substrate layer, an anode layer on the substrate layer, an active layer on the anode layer, and a cathode layer on the active layer, wherein the active layer comprises a plurality of disparately sized n-type and p-type nano-particles of different semiconductor materials randomly distributed in a conductive polymer blend. The n-type nano-particles can include either ZnO or In2O3 nano-particles, and the p-type nano-particles can include either NiO or La2O3 nano-particles. The conductive polymer blend can include P3HT. The bandgaps of the nano-particles have corresponding energies ranging from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Naga Korivi, Kalyan Das
  • Patent number: 9034426
    Abstract: Structured films containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (“MWCNTs”) have enhanced mechanical performance in terms of strength, fracture resistance, and creep recovery of polyimide (“PI”) films. Preferably, the loadings of MWCNTs can be in the range of 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt %. The strength of the new PI films dried at 60° C. increased by 55% and 72% for 0.1 wt % MWCNT and 0.5 wt % MWCNT loadings, respectively, while the fracture resistance increased by 23% for the 0.1 wt % MWCNTs and then decreases at a loading of 0.5 wt % MWCNTs. The films can be advantageously be created by managing a corresponding shift in the annealing temperature at which the maximum strength occurs as the MWCNT loadings increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Tuskegee University
    Inventor: Heshmat Aglan
  • Patent number: 8936663
    Abstract: A chemical extractant selected from solutions of K2SO4 and/or Na2SO4 can be used by contacting with untreated broiler litter to selectively and efficiently remove phosphorous from the broiler litter. The broiler litter and extractant solution mixture, after a suitable time, can be separated, such as by filtration. The resulting treated broiler litter is thus significantly lower in P content without being lower by an undesirable amount in more preferred minerals. The treated litter so obtained is suitable for crop soil augmentation. Further, phosphorous can be thereafter precipitated in the form of phytic acid. Since the precipitate is high in mineral content, it can be used for other purposes (e.g., plant food, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Tuskegee University
    Inventor: Kokoasse Kpomblekou-Ademawou
  • Publication number: 20140342366
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining whether a live microbe, such as bacteria, is present in a test sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Teshome Yehualaeshet, Temesgen Samuel, Woubit Abdela, Tsegaye Habtemariam
  • Patent number: 8883488
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel primers for use in the molecular detection of food-threat agents and food-borne pathogens. The primers may be used in combination for the rapid, high-throughput screening PCR-based techniques to simultaneously detect multiple food safety biothreat agents. The multiplex-detection methods have improved sensitivity and specificity for the detection of multiple high-impact food-borne pathogens simultaneously. Real-time PCR assaying techniques using such primers include microarrays and multiplex single-tube arrays, the latter optionally simultaneously with TaqMan probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tuskegee University
    Inventors: Woubit Salah Abdela, Temesgen Samuel-Tulore, Teshome Yehualaeshet