Patents Examined by Leon B. Lankford, Jr.
  • Dielectrophoretic separation of stained cells
    Patent number: 7153648
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of cell separation or isolation. In particular, the invention provides a method for separating cells, which method comprises: a) selectively staining cells to be separated with a dye so that there is a sufficient difference in a separable property of differentially stained cells; and b) separating said differentially stained cells via said separable property. Preferably, the separable property is dielectrophoretic property of the differentially stained cells and the differentially stained cells are separated or isolated via dielectrophoresis. Methods for separating various types of cells in blood samples are also provided. Centrifuge tubes useful in density gradient centrifugation and dielectrophoresis isolation devices useful for separating or isolating various types of cells are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignees: Capitalbio Corporation, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Gaoshan Jing, Jian Zhang, Jing Cheng
  • Effervescent solid composition of matter
    Patent number: 7153492
    Abstract: An effervescent solid composition of matter is provided, which comprises, as an active component, a substance selected from chitosan, its derivatives and salts thereof and a second component capable of releasing CO2 in an acidic environment. Also, methods for treatment of a mammal suffering from a dermal wound, or for prophylactic or wound-healing treatment of lactating animals prone to develop or suffering from mastitis, are provided. The methods comprise the steps of: a) admixing said effervescent solid composition of matter with an aqueous liquid to form a solution or suspension thereof; b) contacting said animals with said solution or suspension to provide such treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Medicarb AB
    Inventors: Torbjörn Mathisen, Marcus Back, Åsa Hellman
  • Artificial synapse chip
    Patent number: 7147865
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for administering a fluid to a neuronal site. The device comprises a reservoir, an aperture in fluid connection to the reservoir, and electrical means for moving to the fluid to or through the aperture. The electrical means may take the form of electroosmotic force, piezoelectric movement of a diaphragm or electrolysis of a solution. The electrical means may be external to the host, implanted in the host or may be photodiodes activated by light, particularly where the neuronal site is associated with the retina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford University
    Inventors: Harvey A. Fishman, David Bloom, Stacey F. Bent, Mark C. Peterman, Jaan Noolandi, Neville Mehenti
  • Preservation of RNA and morphology in cells and tissues
    Patent number: 7138226
    Abstract: A solution for preservation and/or storage of a cell or tissue is described. This simple nonaqueous composition can have 10% polyethylene glycol and 90% methanol. It can be used at room temperature. Special chemicals, equipment, and techniques are not needed. Tissue preserved with and/or stored in the solution can be processed for cytology or histology, including chemical staining and/or antibody binding, by a variety of methods; antigen, DNA, and RNA can be extracted from processed tissue in high yield and with minimal or no degradation. Advantages of the solution include: economy and safety, easy access to archival material, and compatibility with both cellular and genetic analyses. The use and manufacture of the solution are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Miami
    Inventors: Vladimir Vincek, Mehdi Nassiri, Mehrdad Nadji, Azorides R. Morales
  • Medium for culturing tumor cells
    Patent number: 7132288
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medium for cultivating tumor cells, comprising the following constituents, as comprised for example in the medium RPMI 1640: (a) fetal calf serum (FCS), (b) penicillin-streptomycin, (c) L-glutamine, (d) transferrin, (e) insulin, (f) human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and (g) ?-TGF. A method for characterizing tumor cells or potential tumor cells, respectively, is also described. Said method includes the culturing of cells in the inventive medium and the two tumor cell lines LNHOS1 and PTHOS1 established by means of the inventive culturing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Uni-Klinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
    Inventors: Jakob Izbicki, Stefan Hosch, Peter Scheunemann
  • Regulation of neuronal function through metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling pathways
    Patent number: 7129073
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the activities of metabotropic glutamate receptor intracellular signaling molecules. The present invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the activities of casein kinase I and/or cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in cells or tissues. The present invention provides methods of modulating the function of calcium channels in cells or tissues. The present invention provides methods of treating calcium channel dysfunction. The present invention provides methods of identifying agents that modulate the activities of the metabotropic glutamate receptor intracellular signaling molecules casein kinase I and/or cyclin-dependent kinase 5 for use in such treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: The Rockefeller University
    Inventors: Feng Liu, Angus C. Nairn, Paul Greengard
  • Human marrow stromal cell lines which sustain hematopoiesis
    Patent number: 7129086
    Abstract: Immortalized human stromal cell lines sustain and expand human hematopoietic precursor cells. The precursor cells are obtained from a blood product and inoculated into a culture medium conditioned by exposure to a human stromal cell line. Preferred human stromal cell lines secrete SCF, LIF, MIP1?, and IL-6, as exemplified by a human stromal cell line designated HS-1. The conditioned culture medium may be supplemented with additional growth factors, such as interleukin-3. After expansion the human hematopoietic precursor cells are harvested and returned to a patient or frozen and stored. The immortalized human stromal cell lines can also be used as feeder layers in ex vivo bone marrow cultures or in colony forming assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
    Inventors: Beverly Torok-Storb, Bryan A. Roecklein, Gretchen Johnson
  • Composition comprising a strain and uses thereof
    Patent number: 7125708
    Abstract: A novel probiotic strain termed Lactobacillus pentosus NCIMB 41114 is capable of preventing growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the GI tract. In particular, this bacterium inhibits Candida overgrowth, and can be employed to prevent and treat associated diseases, including IBS and thrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: University of Reading, School of Food Biosciences
    Inventors: Anthony G. Wynne, Glenn R. Gibson, Jonathan Brostoff
  • Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions
    Patent number: 7118857
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. The methods and compositions employ modified bioburden testing and the detection of peptidoglycan. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Leo Martis, Mehul Patel, Joseph A. Giertych, James W. Mongoven, Jacqueline A. Kunzler, William F. Owen, Jr.
  • Process for producing a film for controlling the chemotactic function and an artificial material and process for producing the artificial material
    Patent number: 7115419
    Abstract: A process for producing a film for controlling the chemotactic function in an extremely small area in which a chemotactic factor substance in the area has a concentration gradient in one direction. The invention further includes an artificial material with an arrangement in which, on a substrate, there is a film having a chemotactic factor substance for controlling the chemotactic function which it has a concentration gradient in one direction. The process of the invention includes controlling the amount of irradiation in one direction of the film such that the chemotactic factor substance is degenerated which results in a corresponding concentration gradient of the film in the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Suzuki
  • Bacterial strain for degradation of organic polymers
    Patent number: 7115411
    Abstract: A Gram-negative bacterial strain, Pseudomonas nitroreducens TX1 (BCRC910228) isolated from the surfactant-contaminated drainage sediment is described. This strain is shown to have the capacity in utilizing alkylphenol polyethoxylates as a sole source of carbon and energy to grow. Furthermore, it can be grown on a high concentration of alkylphenol polyethoxylates in an aqueous environment. This strain can be applied in the remediation of organic polymers-contaminated water and soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: National Central University
    Inventor: Shir-Ly Huang
  • Composition and method for preserving progenitor cells
    Patent number: 7112653
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protein material which is effective to preserve progenitor cells, such as hematopoietic progenitor cells. The protein has an amino acid sequence comprising AQSLSFSFTKFD (SEQ ID NO:1) and a molecular weight of about 12–20 kD, or has an amino acid sequence comprising VVAVEFD (SEQ ID NO:3) and a molecular weight of about 15–20 kD. Heterodimers of the protein are described, and multimers thereof. Methods of using the protein of the invention for preserving progenitor cells in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo are also described. The invention, therefore, include methods such as myeloablation therapies for cancer treatment wherein myeloid reconstitution is facilitated by means of the specified protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Inclone Systems, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey G. Moore
  • 3-dimensional klinostat for culture of cells
    Patent number: 7112441
    Abstract: In order to grow an object to be cultivated or grown, a growth object is encapsulated in a vessel, and the growth object is grown without substantial influence of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Uemura, Jun-Ichiro Gyotoku, Makoto Asashima
  • Microinjection of cryoprotectants for preservation of cells
    Patent number: 7094601
    Abstract: A preservation method for biological material having cell membranes includes microinjecting the cells with sugar; preparing the cells for storage; storing the biological material; and recovering the stored biological material from storage. The invention also features a method of culturing a cell in vitro using a hypertonic medium. Carbohydrate sugars such as trehalose, sucrose, fructose, dextran, and raffinose, may be used as bio-protective agents or in the culture medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Mehmet Toner, Ali Eroglu, Thomas Toth
  • Materials and methods for drug delivery and uptake
    Patent number: 7090868
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel materials and methods for use in delivering and sequestering substances, such as pharmacological agents, within a patient. One aspect of the invention is directed towards core-shell particles having a core encapsulated within a calcium carbonate shell, with an intermediate layer composed of an amphiphilic compound surrounding the core. When the particles of the subject invention are administered to a patient, they are capable of removing lipophilic drugs by absorption of the drug through their mineral shell and into their core. The particles of the subject invention can also be administered to a patient as controlled release, drug delivery vehicles. Thus, in another aspect, the subject invention concerns a method of delivering pharmacological agents by administering the core-shell particles of the subject invention to a patient in need of such administration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: University of Florida
    Inventors: Laurie A. Gower, Vishal M. Patel, Piyush Sheth, Allison Gallup, Michael Ossenbeck
  • Material and methods for the production of sperm and analysis thereof
    Patent number: 7087371
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods of producing viable sperm from neonatal mammalian testes which have been engrafted in mice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Ina Dobrinski, Stefan Schlatt, Ali Honaramooz, Hans Scholer
  • Method for purifying enzymes from clostridium histolyticum using multi-stage chromatography
    Patent number: 7083964
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying at least one enzyme obtained in an excess fermentation of Clostridium histolyticum. It is provided for that the enzymes of the excess fermentation are separated by a multistage chromatography method by exclusively using chromatography materials on styrene/divinyl-benzene base and/or on base of in particular ceramic hydroxylapatite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Nordmark Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Kurfürst, Stefan Schmidbauer
  • Adipose tissue-derived adult stem or stromal cells for the repair of articular cartilage fractures and uses thereof
    Patent number: 7078232
    Abstract: The invention provides cells, methods and compositions based upon the use of adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells in the repair of articular cartilage fractures or defects. The invention is useful in providing a treatment of articular cartilage fractures in a clinical setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Jon Konkle, Jeffrey M. Gimble
  • Method of forming vascularized kidney tissue
    Patent number: 7074552
    Abstract: A method for constructing a stable bioactive mammalian embryonic kidney is described herein. A kidney so constructed requires no artificial support, nor porous man made membranes or tubing to effectuate its biological function of filtering body fluids. A single donor embryonic kidney, or fragment thereof, can produce a great number of functional kidneys suitable for treating subjects with various kidney disorders. It is anticipated that said in vitro produced kidney would be less, or not at all, antigenic when transplanted into a subject, because of its embryonic character and artificial propagation in culture. This method of producing a functional organ can be useful in cloning other organ structures containing inducible epithelial tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Sanjay Kumar Nigam, Jizeng Qiao, Hiroyuki Sakurai
  • Methods and means of histone methylation
    Patent number: 7074578
    Abstract: This invention relates to the methylation of histones, in particular to a previously uncharacterised group of histone H3 methylases which comprise a SET domain and which methylate either lysine 4 within the amino tail of histone H3 or within the histone H3 core. Methylation by these methylases, in particular trimethylation, is shown to be important for transcriptional activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Chroma Therapeutics LTD
    Inventors: Tony Kouzarides, Helena Santos-Rosa