Patents by Inventor Donald E. Ingber

Donald E. Ingber 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).

  • ORGAN MIMIC DEVICE WITH MICROCHANNELS AND METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURING THEREOF
    Publication number: 20190352590
    Abstract: System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Dongeun Huh
  • Cell culture system
    Patent number: 10472612
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to systems and methods for culturing and/or maintaining intestinal cells, tissues and/or organoids in vitro. The cells, tissues and/or organoids cultured according to the methods and systems described herein can mimic or reproduce natural intestinal epithelial structures and behavior as well as support co-culture of intestinal microflora.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Hyun Jung Kim
  • Systems and methods for cell culture device interconnection and fluidic device interconnection
    Patent number: 10465158
    Abstract: Systems and methods interconnect cell culture devices and/or fluidic devices by transferring discrete volumes of fluid between devices. A liquid-handling system collects a volume of fluid from at least one source device and deposits the fluid into at least one destination device. In some embodiments, a liquid-handling robot actuates the movement and operation of a fluid collection device in an automated manner to transfer the fluid between the at least one source device and the at least one destination device. In some cases, the at least one source device and the at least one destination device are cell culture devices. The at least one source device and the at least one destination device may be microfluidic or non-microfluidic devices. In some cases, the cell culture devices may be microfluidic cell culture devices. In further cases, the microfluidic cell culture devices may include organ-chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Daniel Levner, Guy Thompson, II, Jose Fernandez-Alcon, Christopher David Hinojosa
  • Microbe-binding molecules and uses thereof
    Patent number: 10435457
    Abstract: Described herein are engineered microbe-targeting molecules, microbe-targeting articles, kits comprising the same, and uses thereof. Such microbe-targeting molecules, microbe-targeting articles, or the kits comprising the same can not only bind or capture of a microbe or microbial matter thereof, but they also have improved capability (e.g., enhanced sensitivity or signal intensity) of detecting a microbe or microbial matter. Thus, the microbe-targeting molecules, microbe-targeting articles, and/or the kit described herein can be used in various applications, e.g., but not limited to assays for detection of a microbe or microbial matter, diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents for diagnosis and/or treatment of an infection caused by microbes in a subject or any environmental surface, and/or devices for removal of a microbe or microbial matter from a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Alexander Watters, Brendon Dusel, Michael Super, Mark Cartwright, Donald E. Ingber
  • Systems and methods for improved performance of fluidic and microfluidic systems
    Patent number: 10407655
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Christopher David Hinojosa, Josiah Sliz, Daniel Levner, Guy Thompson, Hubert Geisler, Jose Fernandez-Alcon, Donald E. Ingber
  • MAGNETIC CAPTURE OF A TARGET FROM A FLUID
    Publication number: 20190270091
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved method for magnetic capture of target molecules (e.g., microbes) in a fluid. Kits and solid substrates for carrying the method described herein are also provided. In some embodiments, the methods, kits, and solid substrates described herein are optimized for separation and/or detection of microbes and microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) (including, e.g., but not limited to, a cell component of microbes, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and/or endotoxin).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Joo Hun KANG, Donald E. INGBER, Michael SUPER
  • MICROFLUIDIC CARTRIDGE ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20190247854
    Abstract: According to aspects of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for transporting fluid into or out of one or more fluidic devices includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first surface. The first surface includes at least one partial channel disposed thereon. The second layer abuts the first surface, thereby forming a channel from the at least one partial channel. At least one of the first layer and the second layer is a resilient layer formed from a pliable material. At least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a via hole. The via hole is aligned with the channel to pass fluid thereto. The via hole is configured to pass fluid through the first layer or the second layer substantially perpendicularly to the channel. Embossments are also used to define aspects of a fluidic channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Daniel Levner, Guy Thompson, II, Christopher David Hinojosa
  • HUMAN LYMPHOID TISSUE-ON-CHIP
    Publication number: 20190232277
    Abstract: An organ-on-a-chip microfluidic device is disclosed that mimics a human lymph node and/or human lymphoid tissue. The device can include cells from human blood and lymphatic tissue, include an extracellular matrix for the development of immune system components, and provide for the perfusion of fluids and solids resembling blood and lymphatic fluid within micrometer sized channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Girija Goyal, Donald E. Ingber
  • Magnetic capture of a target from a fluid
    Patent number: 10357780
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved method for magnetic capture of target molecules (e.g., microbes) in a fluid. Kits and solid substrates for carrying the method described herein are also provided. In some embodiments, the methods, kits, and solid substrates described herein are optimized for separation and/or detection of microbes and microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) (including, e.g., but not limited to, a cell component of microbes, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and/or endotoxin).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Joo Hun Kang, Donald E. Ingber, Michael Super
  • Microfluidic cartridge assembly
    Patent number: 10293339
    Abstract: According to aspects of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for transporting fluid into or out of one or more fluidic devices includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first surface. The first surface includes at least one partial channel disposed thereon. The second layer abuts the first surface, thereby forming a channel from the at least one partial channel. At least one of the first layer and the second layer is a resilient layer formed from a pliable material. At least one of the first layer and the second layer includes a via hole. The via hole is aligned with the channel to pass fluid thereto. The via hole is configured to pass fluid through the first layer or the second layer substantially perpendicularly to the channel. Embossments are also used to define aspects of a fluidic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Daniel Levner, Guy Thompson, II, Christopher David Hinojosa
  • Method of altering vascular permeability and uses thereof
    Patent number: 10293023
    Abstract: Provided here are methods of modulating vascular permeability by changing the mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) and methods of treatment of diseases, conditions and symptoms related to vascular permeability such as pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The modulation can be increasing or decreasing vascular permeability. Vascular leakage can be normalized by increasing or decreasing ECM stiffness depending on the baseline mechanical properties of the tissue or organ. Vascular permeability is altered by changing the mechanical properties of ECM by administering a lysyl oxidase modulating (LOX) agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Akiko Mammoto
  • AQUEOUS BIOMOLECULE COUPLING ON CO2-PLASMA-ACTIVATED SURFACES
    Publication number: 20190144567
    Abstract: This disclosure provides, e.g., methods for coupling an entity to a solid substrate. The method can comprise treating the substrate with a plasma, e.g., a CO2 plasma, to increase its reactivity. The entity can be, e.g., a biological polymer that binds a microbe. Substrates produced by these methods can be used in a variety of applications, including hemodialysis and diagnostic assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Daniel Christopher LESLIE, Thomas DOYLE, Anna WATERHOUSE, Melissa RODAS, Alexander L. WATTERS, Michael SUPER, Donald E. INGBER
  • INTEGRATED HUMAN ORGAN-ON-CHIP MICROPHYSIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20190106665
    Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Anthony Bahinski, Robert Cunningham, Josue A. Goss, Geraldine A. Hamilton, Christopher David Hinojosa, Daniel Levner, Kevin Kit Parker
  • PATHOGEN BINDING METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20190077850
    Abstract: Described herein are engineered microbe-targeting or microbe-binding molecules, kits comprising the same and uses thereof. The microbe-targeting or microbe-binding molecules can comprise a microbe surface-binding domain linked to a portion of an Fc region. Further, the microbe-targeting molecules can be conjugated to substrate (e.g., a magnetic particle) to form a microbe-targeting substrate. Such microbe-targeting molecules and/or substrates and the kits comprising the same can be used in various applications, such as diagnosis and/or treatment of an infection caused by microbes. Moreover, the microbe-targeting molecules and/or substrates can be easily regenerated after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: March 14, 2019
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Michael Super, Alexander Watters
  • Radial microfluidic devices and methods of use
    Patent number: 10202569
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for simulating a function or response of a tissue is disclosed. The device includes an inlet for receiving a fluid in the device, and an outlet for removing the fluid from the device. The device further includes a fluid channel in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet for flowing the fluid through the device. The fluid channel defines a chamber well that receives cells associated with the tissue. The device also includes an interface structure between the fluid channel and the chamber well for permitting migration of at least one of cells, particulates, chemicals, molecules, liquids, or gases between the fluid within the fluid channel and the chamber well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Richard Novak, David Conegliano, Liliana Teixeira, Donald E. Ingber
  • Organ Chips And Uses Thereof
    Publication number: 20190032021
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are organ chips that can be individually used or integrated together to form different microphysiological systems, e.g., for use in cell culturing, drug screening, toxicity assays, personalized therapeutic treatment, scaffolding in tissue repair and/or replacement, and/or pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamics studies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Kevin Kit Parker, Geraldine A. Hamilton, Anthony Bahinski
  • Electrode Integration Into Organs On Chip Devices
    Publication number: 20190025240
    Abstract: A method of fabricating electrodes includes forming a first metallic film layer on an upper surface of a first material substrate, and attaching a first polymeric layer to the upper surface of the first material substrate to form a first opened microchannel. The method further includes forming a second metallic film layer on a portion of a lower surface of a second material substrate, and attaching a second polymeric layer to the lower surface of the second material substrate to form a second opened microchannel. The method also includes attaching the first opened microchannel to a bottom side of the membrane and the second opened microchannel to the top side of the membrane. The first metallic film layer and the second metallic film layer each constitute transparent electrodes and are positioned with the membrane therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Olivier Henry, Andries van der Meer, Donald E. Ingber
  • Microfluidic Devices And Systems For Cell Culture And/Or Assay
    Publication number: 20190009274
    Abstract: Described herein are microfluidic devices and systems for high density cell culture and/or high throughput cell assays. Methods of using the same are also provided herein. In some embodiments, the microfluidic devices and systems described herein provide rapid and automated trapping of single embryos in ordered arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicants: President and Fellows of Harvard College, Tufts University
    Inventors: Richard Novak, Donald E. Ingber, Michael Levin, Rachelle Prantil-Baun
  • METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE INHIBITION OF TRPV4
    Publication number: 20190002527
    Abstract: TRPV4 activation increases vascular permeability and can be triggered by both chemical and mechanical cues. This activation of TRPV4 can contribute to a number of pathological conditions, e.g., edema, inflammation, hypertension, and/or hyperalgesia. Described herein are methods and compositions relating to inhibition of mechanically-induced TRPV4 activation, e.g., for the treatment of pulmonary edema, edema, inflammation, hypertension, and/or hyperalgesia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Donald E. INGBER, Mariko KOBAYASHI
  • IMPROVED MICROBE-BINDING MOLECULES AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20180371058
    Abstract: Described herein are engineered microbe-targeting molecules, microbe-targeting articles, kits comprising the same, and uses thereof. Such microbe-targeting molecules, microbe-targeting articles, or the kits comprising the same can not only bind or capture of a microbe or microbial matter thereof, but they also have improved capability (e.g., enhanced sensitivity or signal intensity) of detecting a microbe or microbial matter. Thus, the microbe-targeting molecules, microbe-targeting articles, and/or the kit described herein can be used in various applications, e.g., but not limited to assays for detection of a microbe or microbial matter, diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents for diagnosis and/or treatment of an infection caused by microbes in a subject or any environmental surface, and/or devices for removal of a microbe or microbial matter from a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Alexander WATTERS, Brendon Dusel, Michael SUPER, Mark CARTWRIGHT, Donald E. INGBER