Patents by Inventor Chengzhi Cai

Chengzhi Cai 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).

  • Publication number: 20230012411
    Abstract: Provided herein are fluorinated compounds having chemical structures: (I) where n is 0 or greater, or (II) where m and n are 0 or greater, or an amino acid, a soluble polymer, an oligo(ethylene glycol), a poly(ethylene glycol), or a carbohydrate each fluorinated with perfluorocarbons having the chemical structure (III) where n is 0 or greater. These fluorinated compounds are utilized in contact lenses to impart lipid-resistant, protein-resistant and biofouling-resistant properties, thus reducing discomfort and infection caused by contact lens wear without changing its transmission characteristics. Also provided is an ophthalmic drug delivery system comprising at least one of the compounds described above embedded in the contact lens and a kit to incorporate the ophthalmic into a contact lens. Methods for incorporating these compounds onto a contact lens without affecting transparency and for use in treating an ophthalmologic-associated condition are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Guoting Qin, Chengzhi Cai
  • Patent number: 11529309
    Abstract: Provided herein are fluorinated compounds having chemical structures: (I) where n is 0 or greater, or (II) where m and n are 0 or greater, or an amino acid, a soluble polymer, an oligo(ethylene glycol), a poly(ethylene glycol), or a carbohydrate each fluorinated with perfluorocarbons having the chemical structure (III) where n is 0 or greater. These fluorinated compounds are utilized in contact lenses to impart lipid-resistant, protein-resistant and biofouling-resistant properties, thus reducing discomfort and infection caused by contact lens wear without changing its transmission characteristics. Also provided is an ophthalmic drug delivery system comprising at least one of the compounds described above embedded in the contact lens and a kit to incorporate the ophthalmic into a contact lens. Methods for incorporating these compounds onto a contact lens without affecting transparency and for use in treating an ophthalmologic-associated condition are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Guoting Qin, Chengzhi Cai
  • Publication number: 20190133932
    Abstract: Provided herein are fluorinated compounds having chemical structures: (I) where n is 0 or greater, or (II) where m and n are 0 or greater, or an amino acid, a soluble polymer, an oligo(ethylene glycol), a poly(ethylene glycol), or a carbohydrate each fluorinated with perfluorocarbons having the chemical structure (III) where n is 0 or greater. These fluorinated compounds are utilized in contact lenses to impart lipid-resistant, protein-resistant and biofouling-resistant properties, thus reducing discomfort and infection caused by contact lens wear without changing its transmission characteristics. Also provided is an ophthalmic drug delivery system comprising at least one of the compounds described above embedded in the contact lens and a kit to incorporate the ophthalmic into a contact lens. Methods for incorporating these compounds onto a contact lens without affecting transparency and for use in treating an ophthalmologic-associated condition are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Guoting Qin, Chengzhi Cai
  • Patent number: 9725529
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for making and using multifunctional polymerized liposomes finding relevant application in medical sciences, particularly in bioimaging, diagnostics, drug delivery, and drug formulation. The compositions and methods involve lipids that are both polymerizable and have a “clickable” group that provides the ability to functionalize via a click reaction with various functional moieties useful for the above-listed applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Guoting Qin, Amit Kumar
  • Patent number: 9597433
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method and compositions for modification of medical devices, such as indwelling medical devices, implantable catheters, in particular, urinary catheters, to enhance formation of a high density and stable biofilm comprising non-pathogenic organisms for the treatment and prevention of colonization of pathogens leading to device-associated infections, such as urinary tract infections. In some embodiments the present disclosure also relates to a method and compositions for storage and use of the catheters coated with a non-pathogenic biofilm. In some embodiments the present disclosure also pertains to a method and compositions for modification of implantable medical devices with bacterial resistant polymers, and/or antimicrobial agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Fei Yu, Analette Lopez
  • Patent number: 9302242
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to nanometric biomolecular arrays and to a novel approaches for the preparation of such nanoarrays, based on binding of biomolecules, such as avidin, to templates generated by lithographically-anodizing biocompatible ultrathin films on silicon substrates using AFM anodization lithography. The present invention is also directed to methods of using such arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Chi Ming Yam, Jianhua Gu
  • Publication number: 20150057641
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method and compositions for modification of medical devices, such as indwelling medical devices, implantable catheters, in particular, urinary catheters, to enhance formation of a high density and stable biofilm comprising non-pathogenic organisms for the treatment and prevention of colonization of pathogens leading to device-associated infections, such as urinary tract infections. In some embodiments the present disclosure also relates to a method and compositions for storage and use of the catheters coated with a non-pathogenic biofilm. In some embodiments the present disclosure also pertains to a method and compositions for modification of implantable medical devices with bacterial resistant polymers, and/or antimicrobial agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Fei Yu, Analette Lopez
  • Patent number: 8927733
    Abstract: A sensor that includes a) a silicon (Si) substrate having a surface; and b) a monolayer of oligoethylene glycol (OEG) bonded to the surface via silicon-carbon bonds. Regions of the OEG monolayer distal to the surface are functionalized with a molecular probe serving as a recognition element for a bioanalyte. A method of making a silicon surface that recognizes a biological specimen includes 1) hydrosilylating with a mixture that includes an oligoethylene glycol (OEG) substituted with an alkene at one end of the OEG and capped at the opposing end of the OEG and an oligoethylene glycol (OEG) substituted with an alkene at one end of the OEG and an alkyne having a protecting group at the opposing end of the OEG and 2) removing the protecting group from the alkyne; and 3) reacting the alkyne with a reagent in a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Chi Ming Yam, Jianhua Gu
  • Patent number: 8802078
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a modified silicone surface for interference to pathogen colonization comprising: an activated silicone layer; a plurality of cross-linking dendrimers adsorbed onto to the activated silicone layer; a plurality of ligand derivatives, each bound to at least one of the plurality of cross-linking dendrimers; and a benign biofilm adhered to the plurality of ligand derivatives. According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for making a modified silicone surface for interference to pathogen colonization comprising activating a silicone surface; adsorbing a plurality of cross-linking dendrimers to the silicone surface; binding a plurality of ligand derivatives to the plurality of cross-linking dendrimers; and adhering a benign biofilm to the plurality of ligand derivatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventor: Chengzhi Cai
  • Publication number: 20130324738
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for making and using multifunctional polymerized liposomes finding relevant application in medical sciences, particularly in bioimaging, diagnostics, drug delivery, and drug formulation. The compositions and methods involve lipids that are both polymerizable and have a “clickable” group that provides the ability to functionalize via a click reaction with various functional moieties useful for the above-listed applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Guoting Qin, Amit Kumar
  • Publication number: 20130296574
    Abstract: A sensor that includes a) a silicon (Si) substrate having a surface; and b) a monolayer of oligoethylene glycol (OEG) bonded to the surface via silicon-carbon bonds. Regions of the OEG monolayer distal to the surface are functionalized with a molecular probe serving as a recognition element for a bioanalyte. The molecular probe is covalently bonded in these regions as a cycloadduct of a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. A composition having use as a catalyst for a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction includes Cu(I) and a triazole ligand having an oligoethylene glycol substituent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Chin Ming Yam, Jianhua Gu
  • Patent number: 8506993
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for making and using multifunctional polymerized liposomes finding relevant application in medical sciences, particularly in bioimaging, diagnostics, drug delivery, and drug formulation. The compositions and methods involve lipids that are both polymerizable and have a “clickable” group that provides the ability to functionalize via a click reaction with various functional moieties useful for the above-listed applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Guoting Qin, Amit Kumar
  • Patent number: 8426028
    Abstract: A sensor that includes a) a silicon (Si) substrate having a surface; and b) a monolayer of oligoethylene glycol (OEG) bonded to the surface via silicon-carbon bonds. Regions of the OEG monolayer distal to the surface are functionalized with a ligand serving as a recognition element for a bioanalyte. The ligand is covalently bonded in these regions as a cycloadduct of a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. A method of making a silicon surface that recognizes a biological specimen includes 1) hydrosilylating with a mixture that includes an oligoethylene glycol (OEG) substituted with an alkene at one end of the OEG and capped at the opposing end of the OEG and an oligoethylene glycol (OEG) substituted with an alkene at one end of the OEG and an alkyne having a protecting group at the opposing end of the OEG and 2) removing the protecting group from the alkyne; and 3) reacting the alkyne with a reagent in a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Chin Ming Yam, Jianhua Gu
  • Publication number: 20120231518
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a modified silicone surface for interference to pathogen colonization comprising: an activated silicone layer; a plurality of cross-linking dendrimers adsorbed onto to the activated silicone layer; a plurality of ligand derivatives, each bound to at least one of the plurality of cross-linking dendrimers; and a benign biofilm adhered to the plurality of ligand derivatives. According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a method for making a modified silicone surface for interference to pathogen colonization comprising activating a silicone surface; adsorbing a plurality of cross-linking dendrimers to the silicone surface; binding a plurality of ligand derivatives to the plurality of cross-linking dendrimers; and adhering a benign biofilm to the plurality of ligand derivatives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: University of Houston
    Inventor: Chengzhi Cai
  • Patent number: 7637960
    Abstract: Thin and short cantilevers possess both a low force constant and a high resonance frequency, thus are highly desirable for atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging and force measurement. According to some embodiments, the invention provides small silicon (Si) cantilevers integrated with a Si tip, for example fabricated from SOI wafers that are used for reducing the variation of thickness of the cantilevers. In one example, the fabrication process provided SOI chips containing 40 silicon cantilevers integrating with an ultra-sharp Si tip. The resolution of images obtained with these tips was much higher than those obtained with the commercial tips, while the force constants were much less, that is, more suitable for imaging soft samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Chi-Ming Yam, Guoting Qin, Steven Pei, Qingkai Yu
  • Publication number: 20090162424
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for making and using multifunctional polymerized liposomes finding relevant application in medical sciences, particularly in bioimaging, diagnostics, drug delivery, and drug formulation. The compositions and methods involve lipids that are both polymerizable and have a “clickable” group that provides the ability to functionalize via a click reaction with various functional moieties useful for the above-listed applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Guoting Qin, Amit Kumar
  • Publication number: 20090082222
    Abstract: A sensor that includes a) a silicon (Si) substrate having a surface; and b) a monolayer of oligoethylene glycol (OEG) bonded to the surface via silicon-carbon bonds. Regions of the OEG monolayer distal to the surface are functionalized with a ligand serving as a recognition element for a bioanalyte. The ligand is covalently bonded in these regions as a cycloadduct of a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. A method of making a silicon surface that recognizes a biological specimen includes 1) hydrosilylating with a mixture that includes an oligoethylene glycol (OEG) substituted with an alkene at one end of the OEG and capped at the opposing end of the OEG and an oligoethylene glycol (OEG) substituted with an alkene at one end of the OEG and an alkyne having a protecting group at the opposing end of the OEG and 2) removing the protecting group from the alkyne; and 3) reacting the alkyne with a reagent in a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Chin Ming Yam, Jianhua Gu
  • Publication number: 20070212555
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to nanometric biomolecular arrays and to a novel approaches for the preparation of such nanoarrays, based on binding of biomolecules, such as avidin, to templates generated by lithographically-an-odizing biocompatible ultrathin films on silicon substrates using AFM anodization lithography. The present invention is also directed to methods of using such arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Chin Yam, Jianhua Gu
  • Patent number: 7247384
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a practical method of grafting oligo- and/or poly(ethyleneglycol) (OEG and/or PEG) derivatives onto hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces, including the surfaces of silicon scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tips, by hydrosilylation of OEG and/or PEG-terminated alkenes. This invention is related to the development of silicon-based bio-devices, including biochips, biosensors such as SPM probes, microarrays, micro-fluidic systems, and implantable microdevices. This invention is also a practical method to modify (many) SPM probe tips with OEG/PEG derivatives and to subsequently modify the tip apex with functional single molecules to improve the specificity and resolution of AFM imaging and measurements. The functional molecules include the dendritic adsorbates with a functional group at their focal point and with or without a tripod-shaped framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: The University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Chi Ming Yam, Zhongdang Xiao, Jianhua Gu
  • Publication number: 20070125160
    Abstract: Thin and short cantilevers possess both a low force constant and a high resonance frequency, thus are highly desirable for atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging and force measurement. According to some embodiments, the invention provides small silicon (Si) cantilevers integrated with a Si tip, for example fabricated from SOI wafers that are used for reducing the variation of thickness of the cantilevers. In one example, the fabrication process provided SOI chips containing 40 silicon cantilevers integrating with an ultra-sharp Si tip. The resolution of images obtained with these tips was much higher than those obtained with the commercial tips, while the force constants were much less, that is, more suitable for imaging soft samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Applicant: The University of Houston
    Inventors: Chengzhi Cai, Chin-Ming Yam, Guoting Qin, Steven Pei, Qingkai Yu