Patents Assigned to University of Massachusettes
  • Patent number: 11202818
    Abstract: In certain aspects, disclosed herein are novel compositions and methods related to either the enhancement or inhibition of erythropoiesis that are useful, for example, in the treatment of anemia or erythrocytosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignees: President and Fellows of Harvard College, University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Merav Socolovsky, Allon M. Klein, Samuel Wolock, Betsabeh K. Tusi, Yung Hwang, Caleb Weinreb
  • Publication number: 20210380981
    Abstract: The disclosure relates, in some aspects, to compositions and methods for treating corneal disease (e.g., corneal neovascularization. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to rAAV-mediated delivery of an cornea-associated transgene to a subject. In some embodiments, the rAAV transduces the corneal tissue of a subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Yi Lu, Qiang Zheng, Xun Xu, Phillip D. Zamore, Phillip Tai
  • Publication number: 20210355507
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a nucleic acid comprising a heterologous nucleic acid insert flanked by interrupted self-complementary sequences, wherein one self-complementary sequence is interrupted by a cross-arm sequence forming two opposing, lengthwise-symmetric stem-loops, and wherein the other of the self-complementary sequences is interrupted by a truncated cross-arm sequence. Methods of delivering the nucleic acid to a cell are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Applicants: University of Massachusetts, Voyager Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Kotin, Sylvain Cecchini
  • Patent number: 11174214
    Abstract: The invention provides novel deoxybenzoin-containing polymers exhibiting branched (including hyperbranched) architectures, and related methods and uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Moira Caitlin Brown, Elizabeth Ganz Stubbs, Todd Emrick
  • Patent number: 11174336
    Abstract: An elastomeric polymer, comprising (1) a hard segment in the amount of 10% to 60% by weight of the elastomeric polymer, wherein the hard segment includes a urethane, urea or urethaneurea; and (2) a soft segment in the amount of 40% to 90% by weight of the elastomeric polymer. The soft segment comprises (a) at least 2% by weight of the soft segment of at least one polyether macrodiol, and/or at least one polycarbonate macrodiol; and (b) at least 2% by weight of the soft segment of at least one polyisobutylene macrodiol and/or diamine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts Lowell
    Inventors: Rudolf Faust, Umaprasana Ojha
  • Patent number: 11175244
    Abstract: The invention provides a novel microfluidic platform for use in electro-crystallization and electro-crystallography experiments. The manufacturing and use of graphene as X-ray compatible electrodes allows the application of electric fields on-chip, during X-ray analysis. The presence of such electric fields can be used to modulate the structure of protein (or other) molecules in crystalline (for X-ray diffraction) or solution form (for X-ray scattering). Additionally, the presence of an electric field can be used to extend the lifetime of fragile samples by expediting the removal of reactive secondary radiation damage species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Sarah L. Perry, Shou Sui
  • Patent number: 11166726
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventor: Raymond Dunn
  • Publication number: 20210340539
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of rAAV delivery of transgenes. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to RNAi. Provided herein are recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors comprising modified ITRs. In some embodiments, the modified ITRs comprise a sequence encoding a shRNA, miRNA, or AmiRNA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Jun Xie, Phillip D. Zamore
  • Patent number: 11160823
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and compositions for regulating expression of DUX4. In some aspects, methods described by the disclosure are useful for treating a disease associated with aberrant DUX4 expression (e.g., facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Peter L. Jones, Michael R. Green
  • Patent number: 11166344
    Abstract: A heating element composite comprises a substrate of one or more fibers or threads and an electrically-conductive polymer coating comprising an electrically-conductive polymer material deposited onto the one or more fibers or threads. A thickness of the electrically-conductive polymer coating is at least about 100 nanometers and the electrically-conductive polymer coating covers at least about 75% of an external surface area of the one or more fibers or threads of the substrate. The resulting heating element composite has a sheet resistance of from about 2 ?/? to about 200 ?/?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Trisha L. Andrew, Lushuai Zhang, Morgan Baima
  • Publication number: 20210324414
    Abstract: This disclosure provides engineered genetic systems for sequestering and/or destroying viruses, compositions and cells comprising the genetic systems, and methods of treating viral infections, reducing viral load, and/or reducing viral spread. The disclosure also provides libraries comprising elements to be incorporated into the engineered genetic systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Ron Weiss, Jin Huh, Yingzhong Li, Eric Goldstein, Hava Siegelmann
  • Publication number: 20210324044
    Abstract: The disclosure in some aspects relates to recombinant adeno-associated viruses having distinct tissue targeting capabilities. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to gene transfer methods using the recombinant adeno-associated viruses. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated AAV capsid proteins and isolated nucleic acids encoding the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Miguel Sena Esteves, Sourav Roy Choudhury
  • Patent number: 11150236
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a system includes a plurality of sensor devices contained in a plurality of wells contained in a well-plate assembly. The sensor devices are used in a plurality of oscillators. Each oscillator generates a frequency and a resistance based on a quality of living biological cells contained in a corresponding well. The quality may include, for example, surface coupled mass, density, viscosity, and/or viscoelasticity of the living biological cells. The system also includes logic for measuring a resonant frequency and motional resistance associated with each sensor device and logic for processing the measured resonant frequency and motional resistance. Moreover, the system includes logic for displaying one or more graphs showing one or more characteristics of the living biological cells contained in the wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Abiche H. Dewilde, Berk Akinci, Joel M. Therrien, Kenneth A. Marx, Susan J. Braunhut
  • Patent number: 11148153
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to a method of cold-spray deposition involving cooling the cold-spray nozzle by at least one of expanding and vaporizing a compressed cooling fluid in proximity to the cold-spray nozzle. The present disclosure also includes a cold-spray deposition spray head, a cooling jacket for a cold-spray deposition nozzle and a cold-spray deposition system comprising the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignees: University of Massachusetts, The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James J. Watkins, David Schmidt, Jacobo Morere Rodriguez, Victor K. Champagne
  • Publication number: 20210317475
    Abstract: The disclosure in some aspects, relates to nucleic acids, compositions and kits useful for gene therapy with reduced immune response to transgene products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Guangping Gao, Phillip D. Zamore, Shaoyong Li
  • Publication number: 20210317529
    Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to the reactivation of inactive X chromosomes (Xi). In some embodiments, the disclosure provides compositions and methods for the reactivation of inactive X chromosomes. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods described by the disclosure may be useful for the treatment of dominant X-linked diseases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Applicant: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Michael R. Green, Sanchita Bhatnagar
  • Patent number: 11133118
    Abstract: Aspects relate to patterned nanostructures having a feature size not including film thickness of below 5 microns. The patterned nanostructures are made up of nanoparticles having an average particle size of less than 100 nm. A nanoparticle composition, which, in some cases, includes a binder material, is applied to a substrate. A patterned mold used in concert with electromagnetic radiation function to manipulate the nanoparticle composition in forming the patterned nanostructure. In some embodiments, the patterned mold nanoimprints a suitable pattern on to the nanoparticle composition and the composition is cured through UV or thermal energy. Three-dimensional patterned nanostructures may be formed. A number of patterned nanostructure layers may be prepared and suitably joined together. In some cases, a patterned nanostructure may be formed as a layer that is releasable from the substrate upon which it is initially formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: James Watkins, Michael R. Beaulieu, Nicholas R. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 11126403
    Abstract: A true random number generator device based on a diffusive memristor is disclosed. The random number generator device includes a diffusive memristor driven by a pulse generator circuit. The diffusive memristor produces a stochastically switched output signal. A comparator circuit receives the stochastically switched output signal from the diffusive memristor and generates an output signal having a random pulse width. An AND gate logic circuit is driven by a clock signal and the output signal from the comparator circuit. The AND gate logic circuit produces a combined output signal. A counter circuit receives the combined output signal from the AND gate logic circuit and generates a random bit string output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Jianhua Yang, Qiangfei Xia, Hao Jiang
  • Patent number: 11124795
    Abstract: Methods of treating subjects having disorders associated with mutations in the FXN gene and/or having reduced expression of frataxin protein, e.g., Friedreich ataxia (FA). Generally, the methods include administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that increases expression of frataxin protein as described herein, e.g., an inhibitor of a FXN Repressing Factor (FXN-RF).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Michael R. Green, Minggang Fang
  • Patent number: 11120688
    Abstract: Traversing, by an autonomous vehicle, a vehicle transportation network, may include identifying a policy for a scenario-specific operational control evaluation model of a distinct vehicle operational scenario, receiving a candidate vehicle control action from the policy, wherein, in response to a determination that an uncertainty value for the distinct vehicle operational scenario exceeds a defined uncertainty threshold, the candidate vehicle control action is an orientation-adjust vehicle control action, and traversing a portion of the vehicle transportation network in accordance with the candidate vehicle control action, wherein the portion of the vehicle transportation network includes the distinct vehicle operational scenario.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignees: Nissan North America, Inc., The University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Kyle Hollins Wray, Stefan Witwicki, Shlomo Zilberstein, Melissa Cefkin