Patents by Inventor Jenna Ahn

Jenna Ahn 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: 20220378363
    Abstract: Transient molecules in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide, are important signals and mediators of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Because these molecules may be short-lived in the body, they are difficult to detect. To track these reactive molecules in the GI tract, a miniaturized device has been developed that integrates genetically engineered probiotic biosensors with a custom-designed photodetector and readout chip. Leveraging the molecular specificity of living sensors, bacteria were genetically encoded to respond to IBD-associated molecules by luminescing. Low-power electronic readout circuits (e.g., using nanowatt power) integrated into the device convert the light from just 1 ?L of bacterial culture into a wireless signal. Biosensor monitoring was demonstrated in the GI tract of small and large animal models and integration of all components into a sub-1.4 cm3 ingestible form factor capable of supporting wireless communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Trustees of Boston University, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Kuan-Ta Lu, Rabia Tugce Yazicigil Kirby, Carlo Giovanni Traverso, Jenna Ahn, Maria Eugenia Inda, Miguel Jimenez, Qijun Liu, Phillip Nadeau, Christoph Winfried Johannes Steiger, Adam Wentworth