Patents by Inventor Barry L. Merriman

Barry L. Merriman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11656197
    Abstract: A sequencing device is disclosed. The sequence device includes an array of conducting electrode pairs, each pair of electrodes comprising a source and a drain electrode arrangement separated by a nanogap, the electrode array deposited and patterned on a dielectric substrate; at least one transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) layer disposed on each pair of electrodes, wherein the TMD layer connects each source and drain electrode within each pair, and bridges each nanogap of each pair of electrodes; and a dielectric masking layer disposed on the TMD layer and comprising at least one opening that defines an exposed TMD region, wherein the at least one opening is sized so as to allow a single biomolecule to fit therein and to attach on to the exposed TMD region. In embodiments of the disclosure, the TMD layer be a defective TMD layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Roswell ME Inc.
    Inventors: Chulmin Choi, Sungho Jin, Barry L. Merriman, Paul Mola, Tim Geiser
  • Patent number: 11624725
    Abstract: In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a molecular electronics sensor array chip comprises: (a) an integrated circuit semiconductor chip; and (b) a plurality of molecular electronic sensor devices disposed thereon, each of said sensor devices comprising: (i) a pair of nanoscale source and drain electrodes separated by a nanogap; (ii) a gate electrode; and (iii) a bridge and/or probe molecule spanning the nanogap and connecting the source and drain electrodes, wherein the molecular electronic sensor devices are organized into an electronically addressable, controllable, and readable array of sensor pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Roswell Blotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Paul W. Mola, Chulmin Choi
  • Patent number: 11448639
    Abstract: A DNA or genome sequencing structure is disclosed. The structure includes an electrode pair, each electrode having a tip-shaped end, the electrodes separated by a nanogap defined by facing tip-shaped ends; at least one conductive island deposited at or near each tip-shaped end; and a biomolecule having two ends, each end attached to the conductive islands in the electrode pair such that one biomolecule bridges over the nanogap in the electrode pair, wherein nucleotide interactions with the biomolecule provides electronic monitoring of DNA or genome sequencing without the use of a fluorescing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chulmin Choi, Sungho Jin, Paul W. Mola, Barry L. Merriman
  • Patent number: 11440003
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device useable in DNA or genome sequencing comprises disposing pairs of electrodes on a substrate, the electrodes within each pair separated by a nanogap; depositing a resist layer over the electrodes; patterning the resist layer to create an exposed region on each electrode at or near each nanogap; roughening the electrode surface within each exposed region using various methods; and exposing the exposed regions to biomolecules, wherein one biomolecule bridges each nanogap of each electrode pair, with each end of each biomolecule bound to the electrodes at each exposed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: ROSWELL BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Chulmin Choi, Sungho Jin, Paul W. Mola, Barry L. Merriman
  • Patent number: 11268123
    Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and an enzyme molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the enzyme. In various examples, the enzyme is a polymerase. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the enzyme to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor, wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as substrates interact with the enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Venkatesh Alagarswamy Govindaraj, Paul Mola, Tim Geiser
  • Publication number: 20220002777
    Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and an enzyme molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the enzyme. In various examples, the enzyme is a polymerase. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the enzyme to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor, wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as substrates interact with the enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Venkatesh Alagarswamy Govindaraj, Paul Mola, Tim Geiser
  • Patent number: 11143617
    Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and a binding probe molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the binding probe. In various examples, the binding probe is an antibody, the Fab domain of an antibody, a protein, a nucleic acid oligomer hybridization probe, or an aptamer. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the binding probe to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as targets interact with the binding probe. In various embodiments, the circuit provides a means to measure the presence, absence, or concentration of an analyte in a solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: ROSWELL BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Venkatesh Alagarswamy Govindaraj, Paul Mola, Tim Geiser, Gina Costa
  • Publication number: 20210225461
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an information storage system comprises: a writing device for synthesizing a nucleotide sequence that encodes a set of information; and a reading device for interpreting the nucleotide sequence by decoding the interpreted nucleotide sequence into the set of information, wherein the reading device comprises a molecular electronics sensor, the sensor comprising a pair of spaced apart electrodes and a molecular complex attached to each electrode to form a molecular electronics circuit, wherein the molecular complex comprises a bridge molecule and a probe molecule, and wherein the molecular electronics sensor produces distinguishable signals in a measurable electrical parameter of the molecular electronics sensor, when interpreting the nucleotide sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Tim Geiser, Paul Mola
  • Publication number: 20210139959
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a signal enhancement process for single molecule molecular sensors is disclosed along with new modified dNTPs. In general, the enhancement process comprises providing a molecular electronic sensor comprising a polymerase and providing a nucleotide template and modified dNTPs in appropriate buffers to the polymerase, wherein incorporation of the modified dNTPs during action of the polymerase enzyme provides an enhanced electrical signal or improved signal-to-noise ratio for the incorporation event relative to the performance with corresponding native dNTPs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Tim Geiser, Paul W. Mola, Darryl Rideout
  • Publication number: 20210109081
    Abstract: A DNA or genome sequencing structure is disclosed. The structure includes an electrode pair, each electrode having a tip-shaped end, the electrodes separated by a nanogap defined by facing tip-shaped ends; at least one conductive island deposited at or near each tip-shaped end; and a biomolecule having two ends, each end attached to the conductive islands in the electrode pair such that one biomolecule bridges over the nanogap in the electrode pair, wherein nucleotide interactions with the biomolecule provides electronic monitoring of DNA or genome sequencing without the use of a fluorescing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Applicant: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chulmin Choi, Sungho Jin, Paul W. Mola, Barry L. Merriman
  • Publication number: 20210077998
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device useable in DNA or genome sequencing comprises disposing pairs of electrodes on a substrate, the electrodes within each pair separated by a nanogap; depositing a resist layer over the electrodes; patterning the resist layer to create an exposed region on each electrode at or near each nanogap; roughening the electrode surface within each exposed region using various methods; and exposing the exposed regions to biomolecules, wherein one biomolecule bridges each nanogap of each electrode pair, with each end of each biomolecule bound to the electrodes at each exposed region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Chulmin Choi, Sungho Jin, Paul W. Mola, Barry L. Merriman
  • Publication number: 20210048405
    Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and a binding probe molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the binding probe. In various examples, the binding probe is an antibody, the Fab domain of an antibody, a protein, a nucleic acid oligomer hybridization probe, or an aptamer. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the binding probe to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as targets interact with the binding probe. In various embodiments, the circuit provides a means to measure the presence, absence, or concentration of an analyte in a solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Venkatesh Alagarswamy Govindaraj, Paul Mola, Tim Geiser, Gina Costa
  • Patent number: 10913966
    Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and an enzyme molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the enzyme. In various examples, the enzyme is a polymerase. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the enzyme to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor, wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as substrates interact with the enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Venkatesh Alagarswamy Govindaraj, Paul Mola, Tim Geiser
  • Patent number: 10902939
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an information storage system comprises: a writing device for synthesizing a nucleotide sequence that encodes a set of information; and a reading device for interpreting the nucleotide sequence by decoding the interpreted nucleotide sequence into the set of information, wherein the reading device comprises a molecular electronics sensor, the sensor comprising a pair of spaced apart electrodes and a molecular complex attached to each electrode to form a molecular electronics circuit, wherein the molecular complex comprises a bridge molecule and a probe molecule, and wherein the molecular electronics sensor produces distinguishable signals in a measurable electrical parameter of the molecular electronics sensor, when interpreting the nucleotide sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Tim Geiser, Paul Mola
  • Publication number: 20200385850
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating at least one nanoparticle include providing one or more substrates and depositing a substance on the one or more substrates. At least one portion of the substance is heated or annealed so the at least one portion beads up on the one or more substrates due to cohesive forces of the substance being greater than adhesive forces between the substrate and the substance. In some methods, a pattern generation process is performed to define the at least one portion. A combination of a substance material for the substance and a substrate material for the one or more substrates may also be selected so that the at least one portion beads up into a predetermined shape. The substance may also be deposited on the one or more substrates with a sub-monolayer thickness or with gaps to further reduce a nanoparticle size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Applicant: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Paul W. Mola, Chulmin Choi
  • Publication number: 20200385855
    Abstract: A molecular sensor includes a substrate defining a substrate plane, and a plurality of pairs of electrode sheets above or below the substrate at an angle to the substrate plane. The molecular sensor further includes a plurality of inner dielectric sheets between each electrode sheet in each pair of electrode sheets of the plurality of pairs, and an outer dielectric sheet between each pair of electrode sheets of the plurality of pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Applicant: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sungho Jin, Barry L. Merriman, Tim Geiser, Chulmin Choi, Paul Mola
  • Publication number: 20200277645
    Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and an enzyme molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the enzyme. In various examples, the enzyme is a polymerase. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the enzyme to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor, wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as substrates interact with the enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Venkatesh Algarswamy Govindaraj, Paul Mola, Tim Geiser
  • Patent number: 10737263
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a device useable in DNA or genome sequencing comprises disposing pairs of electrodes on a substrate, the electrodes within each pair separated by a nanogap; depositing a resist layer over the electrodes; patterning the resist layer to create an exposed region on each electrode at or near each nanogap; roughening the electrode surface within each exposed region using various methods; and exposing the exposed regions to biomolecules, wherein one biomolecule bridges each nanogap of each electrode pair, with each end of each biomolecule bound to the electrodes at each exposed region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chulmin Choi, Sungho Jin, Paul W. Mola, Barry L. Merriman
  • Patent number: 10712334
    Abstract: A DNA or genome sequencing structure is disclosed. The structure includes an electrode pair, each electrode having a tip-shaped end, the electrodes separated by a nanogap defined by facing tip-shaped ends; at least one conductive island deposited at or near each tip-shaped end; and a biomolecule having two ends, each end attached to the conductive islands in the electrode pair such that one biomolecule bridges over the nanogap in the electrode pair, wherein nucleotide interactions with the biomolecule provides electronic monitoring of DNA or genome sequencing without the use of a fluorescing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chulmin Choi, Sungho Jin, Paul W. Mola, Barry L. Merriman
  • Publication number: 20200157595
    Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and an enzyme molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the enzyme. In various examples, the enzyme is a polymerase. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the enzyme to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor, wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as substrates interact with the enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Applicant: Roswell Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry L. Merriman, Venkatesh Alagarswamy Govindaraj, Paul Mola, Tim Geiser