Patents by Inventor Geraldine Hamilton

Geraldine Hamilton 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: 20230159899
    Abstract: Provided herein relates to devices for simulating a function of a tissue and methods of using the same. In some embodiments, the devices can be used to simulate a function of a human liver tissue. In some embodiments, the devices can be used to simulate a function of a dog liver tissue. Endothelial cell culture media for long-term culture of endothelial cells are also described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Geraldine Hamilton, Kyung Jin Jang, Suzzette Haney, Janey Ronxhi, Konstantia Kodella, Hyoungshin Park, Josiah Sliz, Debora Barreiros Petropolis, Daniel Levner, Monicah Otieno
  • Patent number: 11542476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic fluidic systems and methods for the in vitro modeling diseases of the lung and small airway. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a system for testing responses of a microfluidic Small Airway-on-Chip infected with one or more infectious agents (e.g. respiratory viruses) as a model of respiratory disease exacerbation (e.g. asthma exacerbation). In one embodiment, this disease model on a microfluidic chip allows for a) the testing of anti-inflammatory and/or anti-viral compounds introduced into the system, as well as b) the monitoring of the participation, recruitment and/or movement of immune cells, including the transmigration of cells. In particular, this system provides, in one embodiment, an in-vitro platform for modeling severe asthma as “Severe Asthma-on-Chip.” In some embodiments, this invention provides a model of viral-induced asthma in humans for use in identifying potentially effective treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC.
    Inventors: Remi Villenave, Carolina Lucchesi, Justin Nguyen, Catherine Karalis, Geraldine Hamilton, Buket Baddal, Michael Salmon
  • Patent number: 11534753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic fluidic devices, methods and systems as microfluidic kidney on-chips, e.g. human Proximal Tubule-Chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC.
    Inventors: Ville Kujala, Hyoungshin Park, Sonalee Barthakur, Sauveur Jeanty, Brian Zuckerman, Josiah Sliz, Tanvi Shroff, Geraldine A Hamilton, Kyung-Jin Jang, Ananth Nookala, Gang Luo, Donald Mckenzie
  • Publication number: 20220340849
    Abstract: The invention relates to modeling brain neuronal disease in a microfluidic device, comprising a co-culture of iPS-derived brain endothelial cells; iPS-derived dopaminergic neurons; primary microglia; and primary astrocytes, a Blood-Brain-Barrier (BBB)-Chip and a Brain-Chip. In particular, cross-talk between glial cells (e.g. microglia and astrocytes) with neuronal cells, in further contact with endothelial cells is contemplated for use for identifying drug targets under conditions for inducing in vivo relevant neuronal inflammation, neurodegeneration and neuronal death. Thus, in one embodiment, a microfluidic Brain-Chip comprising a co-culture of brain cells is exposed to ?-synuclein preformed fibrils (PFF), a type of pathogenic form of ?-synuclein. Such ?-synuclein PFF exposure demonstrates an in vivo relevant disease pathogenesis on a microfluidic device as a concentration- and time-controlled manner that may be used for preclinical drug evaluation for diseases related to neuronal inflammation, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Iosif Pediaditakis, William R. Tien-Street, S. Jordan Kerns, Geraldine Hamilton, Daniel Levner
  • Publication number: 20220282221
    Abstract: Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices for culturing living cells in micrometer sized chambers in order to model physiological functions of tissues and organs. Engineered patterning and continuous fluid flow in these devices has allowed culturing of intestinal cells bearing physiologically relevant features and sustained exposure to bacteria while maintaining cellular viability, thereby allowing study of inflammatory bowl diseases. However, existing intestinal cells do not possess all physiologically relevant subtypes, do not possess the repertoire of genetic variations, or allow for study of other important cellular actors such as immune cells. Use of iPSC-derived epithelium, including IBD patient-specific cells, allows for superior disease modeling by capturing the multi-faceted nature of the disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carol Lucchesi, Christopher David Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Jefferson Puerta, Geraldine Hamilton, Robert Barrett, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, Stephen R. Targan, Michael Workman, Dhruv Sareen, Uthra Rajamani, Magdalena Kasendra
  • Publication number: 20220282194
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and understanding cancer, and, more specifically, for understanding the factors that contribute to cancer invading tissues and causing metastases. Tumor cells are grown on microfluidic devices with other non-cancerous tissues under conditions that simulate tumor invasion. The interaction with immune cells can be tested to inhibit this activity by linking a cancer chip to a lymph chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Geraldine A. Hamilton, Norman Wen, Catherine Karalis, Antonio Varone, Daniel Levner, Riccardo Barrile
  • Patent number: 11371000
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and understanding cancer, and, more specifically, for understanding the factors that contribute to cancer invading tissues and causing metastases. Tumor cells are grown on microfluidic devices with other non-cancerous tissues under conditions that simulate tumor invasion. The interaction with immune cells can be tested to inhibit this activity by linking a cancer chip to a lymph chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC.
    Inventors: Geraldine A Hamilton, Norman Wen, Catherine Karalis, Antonio Varone, Daniel Levner, Riccardo Barrile
  • Patent number: 11326149
    Abstract: Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices for culturing living cells in micrometer sized chambers in order to model physiological functions of tissues and organs. Engineered patterning and continuous fluid flow in these devices has allowed culturing of intestinal cells bearing physiologically relevant features and sustained exposure to bacteria while maintaining cellular viability, thereby allowing study of inflammatory bowl diseases. However, existing intestinal cells do not possess all physiologically relevant subtypes, do not possess the repertoire of genetic variations, or allow for study of other important cellular actors such as immune cells. Use of iPSC-derived epithelium, including IBD patient-specific cells, allows for superior disease modeling by capturing the multi-faceted nature of the disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC.
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carol Lucchesi, Christopher David Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Jefferson Puerta, Geraldine Hamilton, Robert Barrett, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, Stephen R Targan, Michael Workman, Dhruv Sareen, Uthra Rajamani, Magdalena Kasendra
  • Patent number: 11248203
    Abstract: A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC
    Inventors: Daniel Levner, Christopher David Hinojosa, Norman Wen, Antonio Varone, Justin Nguyen, Lina Williamson, S. Jordan Kerns, Catherine Karalis, Geraldine Hamilton, Carol Lucchesi
  • Publication number: 20220033757
    Abstract: A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel Levner, Christopher David Hinojosa, Norman Wen, Antonio Varone, Justin Nguyen, Lina Williamson, S. Jordan Kerns, Catherine Karalis, Geraldine Hamilton, Carol Lucchesi
  • Publication number: 20210388301
    Abstract: The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Donald E. INGBER, Anthony BAHINSKI, Robert CUNNINGHAM, Josue A. GOSS, Geraldine A. HAMILTON, Christopher David HINOJOSA, Daniel LEVNER, Kevin Kit PARKER
  • Patent number: 11174462
    Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignees: EMULATE, Inc., Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carolina Lucchesi, Christopher David Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Geraldine Hamilton, Gad Vatine, Samuel Sanees, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, Dhruv Sareen
  • Publication number: 20210341378
    Abstract: The present invention is related to high-content microscopy imaging of microfluidic cell culture systems. A method of high-content microfluidic device microscopy is contemplated. along with related statistical analysis and microfluidic device adaptors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Kyung-Jin Jang, Daniel Levner, Konstantia-Roumvini Kodella, Jonathan Rubins, Debora Barreiros Petropolis, Samatha Peel, Adam M. Corrigan, Beate Ehrardt, Pedro Pinto, Dominic Williams, Matt Boeckeler, Alison J. Foster, Geraldine Hamilton, Lorna Ewart Ewart
  • Publication number: 20210340572
    Abstract: The present invention is related to high-content microscopy imaging of microfluidic cell culture systems. A method of high-content microfluidic device microscopy is contemplated, along with related statistical analysis and microfluidic device adaptors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Kyung-Jin Jang, Daniel Levner, Konstantia-Roumvini Kodella, Jonathan Rubins, Debora Barreiros Petropolis, matt Boeckeler, Geraldine Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11150255
    Abstract: Compositions, devices and methods are described for preventing, reducing, controlling or delaying adhesion, adsorption, surface-mediated clot formation, or coagulation in a microfluidic device or chip. In one embodiment, blood (or other fluid with blood components) that contains anticoagulant is introduced into a microfluidic device comprising one or more additive channels containing one or more reagents that will re-activate the native coagulation cascade in the blood that makes contact with it “on-chip” before moving into the experimental region of the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: EMULATE, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Levner, Christopher David Hinojosa, Norman Wen, Jacob Fraser, Justin Nguyen, Riccardo Barrile, Geraldine Hamilton, Catherine Karalis, Hyoungshin Park, Antonio Varone, Andries Van der Meer, Monicah Otieno, David Conegliano
  • Patent number: 11119093
    Abstract: Provided herein relates to systems and methods for producing and using a body having a central channel separated by one or more membranes. The membrane(s) are configured to divide the central channel into at least one mesochannel and at least one microchannel. The height of the mesochannel is substantially greater than the height of the microchannel. A gaseous fluid can be applied through the mesochannel while a liquid fluid flowing through the microchannel. The systems and methods described herein can be used for various applications, including, e.g., growth and differentiation of primary cells such as human lung cells, as well as any other cells requiring low shear and/also stratified structures, or simulation of a microenvironment in living tissues and/or organs (to model physiology or disease states, and/or to identify therapeutic agents and/or vaccines). The systems and methods can also permit co-culture with one or more different cell types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Kambez Hajipouran Benam, Remi Villenave, Geraldine A. Hamilton, Bryan Hassell, Christopher D. Hinojosa, Carolina Lucchesi
  • Publication number: 20210229097
    Abstract: An in vitro microfluidic “organ-on-chip” is described herein that mimics the structure and at least one function of specific areas of the epithelial system in vivo. In particular, a multicellular, layered, microfluidic culture is described, allowing for interactions between lamina propria-derived cells and the associated tissue specific epithelial cells and endothelial cells. This in vitro microfluidic system can be used for modeling inflammatory tissue, e.g., autoimmune disorders involving epithelia and diseases involving epithelial layers. These multicellular, layered microfluidic “organ-on-chip”, e.g. “epithelia-on-chip” further allow for comparisons between types of epithelia tissues, e.g., lung (Lung-On-Chip), bronchial (Airway-On-Chip), skin (Skin-On-Chip), cervix (Cervix-On-Chip), blood brain barrier (BBB-On-Chip), etc., in additional to neurovascular tissue, (Brain-On-Chip), and between different disease states of tissue, i.e. healthy, pre-disease and diseased areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Riccardo Barrile, Geraldine Hamilton, Catherine Karalis, Daniel Levner, Carolina Lucchesi, Antonio Varone, Remi Villenave
  • Publication number: 20210214670
    Abstract: A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Levner, Christopher David Hinojosa, Norman Wen, Antonio Varone, Justin Nguyen, Lina Williamson, S. Jordan Kerns, Catherine Karalis, Geraldine Hamilton, Carol Lucchesi
  • Patent number: 11059041
    Abstract: An in vitro microfluidic “organ-on-chip” is described herein that mimics the structure and at least one function of specific areas of the epithelial system in vivo. In particular, a multicellular, layered, microfluidic culture is described, allowing for interactions between lamina propria-derived cells and the associated tissue specific epithelial cells and endothelial cells. This in vitro microfluidic system can be used for modeling inflammatory tissue, e.g., autoimmune disorders involving epithelia and diseases involving epithelial layers. These multicellular, layered microfluidic “organ-on-chip”, e.g. “epithelia-on-chip” further allow for comparisons between types of epithelia tissues, e.g., lung (Lung-On-Chip), bronchial (Airway-On-Chip), skin (Skin-On-Chip), cervix (Cervix-On-Chip), blood brain barrier (BBB-On-Chip), etc., in additional to neurovascular tissue, (Brain-On-Chip), and between different disease states of tissue, i.e. healthy, pre-disease and diseased areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Emulate, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Riccardo Barrile, Geraldine Hamilton, Catherine Karalis, Daniel Levner, Carolina Lucchesi, Antonio Varone, Remi Villenave
  • Patent number: 10989721
    Abstract: Compositions, devices and methods are described for preventing, reducing, controlling or delaying adhesion, adsorption, surface-mediated clot formation, or coagulation in a microfluidic device or chip. In one embodiment, blood (or other fluid with blood components) that contains anticoagulant is introduced into a microfluidic device comprising one or more additive channels containing one or more reagents that will re-activate the native coagulation cascade in the blood that makes contact with it “on-chip” before moving into the experimental region of the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: EMULATE, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Levner, Christopher David Hinojosa, Norman Wen, Jacob Fraser, Justin Nguyen, Riccardo Barrile, Geraldine Hamilton, Catherine Karalis, Hyoungshin Park, Antonio Varone, Andries Van der Meer, Monicah Otieno, David Conegliano