Patents by Inventor Fei Mao

Fei Mao 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).

  • Methods of using dyes in association with nucleic acid staining or detection and associated technology
    Patent number: 7803943
    Abstract: Methods of using dyes and associated technology are provided. A dye, such as a monomeric dye or a dimeric dye, may be used in a nucleic acid gel staining application and/or a nucleic acid detection application. Such a dye and a salt that comprises an anion that is associated with a strong acid and a cation that is associated with a strong base may be used in such an application. A dimeric dye, such as a dimeric dye capable of forming a hairpin-like structure, may be used to stain and/or detect nucleic acids via a release-on-demand mechanism. A dimeric dye having low background fluorescence in the absence of nucleic acids and high fluorescence in the presence of nucleic acids, upon binding therewith, may be used to stain and/or detect nucleic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Biotium, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Wai-Yee Leung
  • OLIGONUCLEOTIDES LABELED WITH A PLURALITY OF FLUOROPHORES
    Publication number: 20100240103
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention discloses new methods for designing labeled nucleic acid probes and primers by labeling oligonucleotides with a plurality of spectrally identical or similar dyes and optionally with one or more quencher dyes. Oligonucleotides labeled in accordance with some embodiments of the invention exhibit a detectable increase in signal, for example, fluorescent signal when the labeling dyes are separated from one another. Methods for separating the dye include cleaving the labeled oligonucleotides include using enzymes that have 5?-exonuclease activity. In one embodiment nucleic acid primers of the present invention may fluoresce upon hybridization to a target sequence and incorporation into the amplification product. Nucleic acid probes and primers of the present invention have wide applications ranging from general detection of a target nucleic acid sequence to clinical diagnostics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Xing Xin
  • Biosensor Membranes
    Publication number: 20100213058
    Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Hyun Cho
  • Dimeric and trimeric nucleic acid dyes, and associated systems and methods
    Patent number: 7776567
    Abstract: Dimeric and trimeric nucleic acid dyes, and associated systems and methods are provided. Such a dye may form a hairpin-like structure that enables it to stain nucleic acids via a release-on-demand mechanism, for example. Such a dye may have low background fluorescence in the absence of nucleic acids and high fluorescence in the presence of nucleic acids, upon binding therewith, for example. A dye provided herein may be useful in a variety of applications, such as in DNA quantitation in real-time PCR, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: Biotium, Inc., AlleLogic Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Wai-Yee Leung, Xing Xin
  • XANTHENE DYES COMPRISING A SULFONAMIDE GROUP
    Publication number: 20100197030
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent dyes in general. The present invention provides a wide range of fluorescent dyes and kits containing the same, which are applicable for labeling a variety of biomolecules, cells and microorganisms. The present invention also provides various methods of using the fluorescent dyes for research and development, forensic identification, environmental studies, diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment of disease conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Biotium, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Wai-Yee Leung, Ching-Ying Cheung
  • Small Volume In Vitro Analyte Sensor and Methods of Making
    Publication number: 20100170793
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Biosensor Membranes Composed of Polymers Containing Heterocyclic Nitrogens
    Publication number: 20100112613
    Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Hyun Cho
  • Membrane suitable for use in an analyte sensor, analyte sensor, and associated method
    Patent number: 7699964
    Abstract: A multifunctional membrane is provided. The multifunctional membrane is suitable for use in an analyte sensor. In a particular application, the multifunctional membrane may be used in connection with an amperometric biosensor, such as a transcutaneous amperometric biosensor. Some functions of the membrane are associated with properties of membrane itself, which is comprised of crosslinked polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups. For example, the membrane, by virtue of its polymeric composition, may regulate the flux of an analyte to a sensor. Such regulation generally improves the kinetic performance of the sensor over a broad range of analyte concentration. Other functions of the membrane are associated with functional components, such as a superoxide-dismutating/catalase catalyst, either in the form of an enzyme or an enzyme mimic, that can be bound to the scaffold provided by the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Feldman, Zenghe Liu, Fei Mao, Adam Heller
  • OLIGONUCLEOTIDE PROBES AND USES THEREOF
    Publication number: 20100086916
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dually labeled oligonucleotide probe, methods of preparing and using the same. The subject probes are particularly useful for high-sensitive nucleic acid detection via hybridization assays including but not limited to template-directed polymerization reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Xing Xin
  • Small Volume In Vitro Analyte Sensor and Methods of Making
    Publication number: 20100086961
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. FELDMAN, Adam HELLER, Ephraim HELLER, Fei MAO, Joseph A. VIVOLO, Jeffery V. FUNDERBURK, Fredrick C. COLMAN, Rajesh KRISHNAN
  • Small Volume In Vitro Analyte Sensor and Methods of Making
    Publication number: 20100087722
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. FELDMAN, Adam HELLER, Ephraim HELLER, Fei MAO, Joseph A. VIVOLO, Jeffery V. FUNDERBURK, Fredrick C. COLMAN, Rajesh KRISHNAN
  • Small Volume In Vitro Analyte Sensor and Methods of Making
    Publication number: 20100086954
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Small Volume In Vitro Analyte Sensor and Methods of Making
    Publication number: 20100081907
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Small Volume In Vitro Analyte Sensor and Methods of Making
    Publication number: 20100081152
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Small Volume In Vitro Analyte Sensor and Methods of Making
    Publication number: 20100076287
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Small Volume In Vitro Sensor and Methods of Making
    Publication number: 20100076285
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Small Volume In Vitro Analyte Sensor and Methods of Making
    Publication number: 20100076286
    Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry; and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Feldman, Adam Heller, Ephraim Heller, Fei Mao, Joseph A. Vivolo, Jeffery V. Funderburk, Fredric C. Colman, Rajesh Krishnan
  • Biosensor membranes composed of polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogens
    Patent number: 7670470
    Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped wish such membranes are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Hyun Cho
  • Oligonucleotides labeled with a plurality of fluorophores
    Patent number: 7667024
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention discloses new methods for designing labeled nucleic acid probes and primers by labeling oligonucleotides with a plurality of spectrally identical or similar dyes and optionally with one or more quencher dyes. Oligonucleotides labeled in accordance with some embodiments of the invention exhibit a detectable increase in signal, for example, fluorescent signal when the labeling dyes are separated from one another. Methods for separating the dye include cleaving the labeled oligonucleotides include using enzymes that have 5?-exonuclease activity. In one embodiment nucleic acid primers of the present invention may fluoresce upon hybridization to a target sequence and incorporation into the amplification product. Nucleic acid probes and primers of the present invention have wide applications ranging from general detection of a target nucleic acid sequence to clinical diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: AlleLogic Biosciences Corp.
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Xing Xin
  • TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES WITH (PYRIDYL)IMIDAZOLE LIGANDS
    Publication number: 20100038242
    Abstract: Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme-based electrochemical sensors. The transition metal complexes include substituted or unsubstituted (pyridyl)imidazole ligands. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Fei Mao, Adam Heller