Patents by Inventor John C. Gerdes

John C. Gerdes 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).

  • Patent number: 10850276
    Abstract: Systems and methods that enable the rapid identification of target molecules present in a sample at low concentrations is provided. The system includes a sample volume, and a detection structure that is connected to the sample volume by a conduit. The detection structure includes a microfluidic chip that defines a plurality of fluid channels. The walls of the fluid channels are formed from or covered with a metal oxide to which target molecules attach. After the sample volume has been passed through the detection structure, and in particular through the channels, visible microparticles are passed through the detection structure. The visible microparticles are configured to have an affinity for the target molecules. The microfluidic chip is then imaged to detect visible microparticles, and to thereby obtain information regarding the presence of the target molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: VISUGEN GLOBAL LLC
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Kirsten L. Nelson, Kris Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20180243738
    Abstract: Systems and methods that enable the rapid identification of target molecules present in a sample at low concentrations is provided. The system includes a sample volume, and a detection structure that is connected to the sample volume by a conduit. The detection structure includes a microfluidic chip that defines a plurality of fluid channels. The walls of the fluid channels are formed from or covered with a metal oxide to which target molecules attach. After the sample volume has been passed through the detection structure, and in particular through the channels, visible microparticles are passed through the detection structure. The visible microparticles are configured to have an affinity for the target molecules. The microfluidic chip is then imaged to detect visible microparticles, and to thereby obtain information regarding the presence of the target molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Kirsten L. Nelson, Kris Buchanan
  • Patent number: 9481907
    Abstract: A two-step multiplex amplification reaction includes a first step which truncates the standard initial multiplex amplification round to “boost” the sample copy number by only a 100-1000 fold increase in the target. Following the first step the product is divided into optimized secondary single amplification reactions, each containing one of the primer sets that were used previously in the first or multiplexed booster step. The booster step can occur using an aqueous target nucleic acid or using a solid phase archived nucleic acid. In particular, nucleic acid sequences that uniquely identify E. Coli were identified using the multiplex amplification method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Elaine Best, Jeffrey M. Marmaro
  • Patent number: 9206475
    Abstract: A two-step multiplex amplification reaction includes a first step which truncates the standard initial multiplex amplification round to “boost” the sample copy number by only a 100-1000 fold increase in the target. Following the first step the product is divided into optimized secondary single amplification reactions, each containing one of the primer sets that were used previously in the first or multiplexed booster step. The booster step can occur using an aqueous target nucleic acid or using a solid phase archived nucleic acid. In particular, nucleic acid sequences that uniquely identify E. Coli were identified using the multiplex amplification method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Elaine Best, Jeffrey M. Marmaro
  • Patent number: 8304214
    Abstract: A two-step multiplex amplification reaction includes a first step which truncates the standard initial multiplex amplification round to “boost” the sample copy number by only a 100-1000 fold increase in the target. Following the first step the product is divided into optimized secondary single amplification reactions, each containing one of the primer sets that were used previously in the first or multiplexed booster step. The booster step can occur using an aqueous target nucleic acid or using a solid phase archived nucleic acid. In particular, nucleic acid sequences that uniquely identify E. Coli were identified using the multiplex amplification method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Elaine A. Best, Jeffrey M. Marmaro
  • Patent number: 7531328
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-step multiplex amplification reaction wherein the first step truncates the standard initial multiplex amplification round to “boost” the sample copy number by only a 100-1000 fold increase in the target. Following the first step the product is divided into optimized secondary single amplification reactions, each containing one of the primer sets that were used previously in the first or multiplexed booster step. The booster step can occur using an aqueous target nucleic acid or using a solid phase archived nucleic acid. In particular, nucleic acid sequences that uniquely identify E. Coli were identified using the multiplex amplification method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Applied Biosystem, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Elaine Best, Jeffery M. Marmaro
  • Patent number: 7361471
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for tightly binding nucleic acid to solid phase and corresponding processes for the utilization thereof. Nucleic acid is bound to solid phase matrices exhibiting sufficient hydrophilicity and electropositivity to tightly bind the nucleic acids from a sample. These processes include nucleic acid (double or single stranded DNA and RNA) capture from high volume and/or low concentration specimens, buffer changes, washes, and volume reductions, and enable the interface of solid phase bound nucleic acid with enzyme, hybridization or amplification strategies. The tightly bound nucleic acid may be used, for example, in repeated analyses to confirm results or test additional genes in both research and commercial applications. Further, a method is described for virus extraction, purification, and solid phase amplification from large volume plasma specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Jeffery M. Marmaro, Jeffrey T. Ives, Christopher A. Roehl
  • Patent number: 7087414
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-step multiplex amplification reaction wherein the first step truncates the standard initial multiplex amplification round to “boost” the sample copy number by only a 100–1000 fold increase in the target. Following the first step the product is divided into optimized secondary single amplification reactions, each containing one of the primer sets that were used previously in the first or multiplexed booster step. The booster step can occur using an aqueous target nucleic acid or using a solid phase archived nucleic acid. In particular, nucleic acid sequences that uniquely identify E. Coli were identified using the multiplex amplification method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Elaine Best, Jeffery M. Marmaro
  • Patent number: 7087387
    Abstract: This invention provides a kit comprising a substrate having a surface coated with a solid phase matrix for nucleic acid manipulation. The solid phase matrix exhibits sufficient hydrophilicity and electropositivity to tightly bind the nucleic acids in a sample. The manipulations include nucleic acid (double or single stranded DNA and RNA) capture from high volume and/or low concentration specimens, buffer changes, washes, and volume reductions, and enable the interface of solid phase bound nucleic acid with enzyme, hybridization or amplification strategies. The tightly bound nucleic acid may be used, for example, in repeated analyses to confirm results or test additional genes in both research and commercial applications. Further, a method for virus extraction, purification, and solid phase amplification from large volume plasma specimens is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Jeffery M. Marmaro, Jeffrey T. Ives, Christopher A. Roehl
  • Patent number: 6872527
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for tightly binding nucleic acid to solid phase and corresponding processes for the utilization thereof. Nucleic acid is bound to solid phase matrices exhibiting sufficient hydrophilicity and electropositivity to tightly bind the nucleic acids from a sample. These processes include nucleic acid (double or single stranded DNA and RNA) capture from high volume and/or low concentration specimens, buffer changes, washes, and volume reductions, and enable the interface of solid phase bound nucleic acid with enzyme, hybridization or amplification strategies. The tightly bound nucleic acid may be used, for example, in repeated analyses to confirm results or test additional genes in both research and commercial applications. Further, a method is described for virus extraction, purification, and solid phase amplification from large volume plasma specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: XTRANA, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Jeffery M. Marmaro, Jeffrey T. Ives, Christopher A. Roehl
  • Publication number: 20040110167
    Abstract: The invention provides a complete, one-step, fully functional, ready to use lateral flow assay device for the rapid, accurate detection of a target nucleic acid in a fluid sample, wherein the device contains all reagents necessary for the assay in an anhydrous format. The device comprises a sample receiving zone, a labeling zone, and a capture zone. The sample receiving zone may contain one or more oligonucleotides coupled to binding partners and reversibly bound to the capture zone membrane, the labeling zone comprises a visible moiety coupled to a ligand specific for one of the binding partners and reversibly bound to the labeling zone membrane, and the capture zone comprises an capture moiety specific for the second binding partner and immobilized on the capture zone membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Roy R. Mondesire, Lara A. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20040091925
    Abstract: This invention provides a kit comprising a substrate having a surface coated with a solid phase matrix for nucleic acid manipulation. The solid phase matrix exhibits sufficient hydrophilicity and electropositivity to tightly bind the nucleic acids in a sample. The manipulations include nucleic acid (double or single stranded DNA and RNA) capture from high volume and/or low concentration specimens, buffer changes, washes, and volume reductions, and enable the interface of solid phase bound nucleic acid with enzyme, hybridization or amplification strategies. The tightly bound nucleic acid may be used, for example, in repeated analyses to confirm results or test additional genes in both research and commercial applications. Further, a method for virus extraction, purification, and solid phase amplification from large volume plasma specimens is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Jeffery M. Marmaro, Jeffrey T. Ives, Christopher A. Roehl
  • Publication number: 20030224437
    Abstract: The present invention provides a two-step multiplex amplification reaction wherein the first step truncates the standard initial multiplex amplification round to “boost” the sample copy number by only a 100-1000 fold increase in the target. Following the first step the product is divided into optimized secondary single amplification reactions, each containing one of the primer sets that were used previously in the first or multiplexed booster step. The booster step can occur using an aqueous target nucleic acid or using a solid phase archived nucleic acid. In particular, nucleic acid sequences that uniquely identify E. Coli were identified using the multiplex amplification method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Elaine Best, Jeffery M. Marmaro
  • Patent number: 6649378
    Abstract: Self-contained devices are described that integrate nucleic acid extraction, specific target amplification and detection into a single device. This integration permits rapid and accurate nucleic acid sequence detection. The invention may be used, for example, in the screening for nucleic acid sequences which may be indicative of genetic defects or contagious diseases, as well as for monitoring efficacy in the treatment of contagious diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Xtrana, Inc.
    Inventors: Diane L. Kozwich, John C. Gerdes
  • Patent number: 6605451
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods, reagents, compositions, kits, and instruments for use in simultaneously amplifying multiple targets. In particular, this invention is based on the discovery of a two-step multiplex amplification reaction wherein the first step truncates the standard initial multiplex amplification round to “boost” the sample copy number by only a 100-1000 fold increase in the target. Following the first step the product is divided into optimized secondary single amplification reactions, each containing one of the primer sets that were used previously in the first or multiplexed booster step. The booster step can occur using an aqueous target nucleic acid or using a solid phase archived nucleic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Xtrana, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery M. Marmaro, John C. Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20020132242
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for tightly binding nucleic acid to solid phase and corresponding processes for the utilization thereof. Nucleic acid is bound to solid phase matrices exhibiting sufficient hydrophilicity and electropositivity to tightly bind the nucleic acids from a sample. These processes include nucleic acid (double or single stranded DNA and RNA) capture from high volume and/or low concentration specimens, buffer changes, washes, and volume reductions, and enable the interface of solid phase bound nucleic acid with enzyme, hybridization or amplification strategies. The tightly bound nucleic acid may be used, for example, in repeated analyses to confirm results or test additional genes in both research and commercial applications. Further, a method is described for virus extraction, purification, and solid phase amplification from large volume plasma specimens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Jeffery M. Marmaro, Jeffrey T. Ives, Christopher A. Roehl
  • Patent number: 6291166
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for irreversibly binding nucleic acid to solid phase and corresponding processes for the utilization thereof. Nucleic acid is bound to solid phase matrixes exhibiting sufficient hydrophilicity and electropositivity to irreversibly bind the nucleic acids from a sample. These processes include nucleic acid (double or single stranded DNA and RNA) capture from high volume:low concentration specimens, buffer changes, washes, and volume reductions, and enable the interface of solid phase bound nucleic acid with enzyme, hybridization or amplification strategies. The invention, solid phase irreversibly bound nucleic acid, may be used, for example, in repeated analyses to confirm results or test additional genes in both research and commercial applications. Further, a method is described for virus extraction, purification, and solid phase amplification from large volume plasma specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Xtrana, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Jeffrey M. Marmaro, Christopher A. Roehl
  • Patent number: 6258543
    Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for the quantitative measurement of specific gene expression levels in biological samples. In one embodiment, methods for the quantitative monitoring of gene expression without either co-amplification of an added template or use of an endogenous constitutive transcript are provided. The former involves a duplex amplification reaction in which a single set of primers is used to amplify both genomic DNA and expressed mRNA from the same gene sequence. These primers are targeted for sequences flanking the splice junction and intron sequences for the mRNA and DNA respectively. By their use, any suitable nucleic acid amplification technology yields mRNA and DNA amplimers which are distinguishable by length and sequence heterogeneity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Xtrana, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Jeffrey M. Marmaro
  • Patent number: 6153425
    Abstract: A self-contained device is described that integrates nucleic acid extraction, specific target amplification and detection into a single device. This integration permits rapid and accurate nucleic acid sequence detection. The invention may be used, for example, in the screening for nucleic acid sequences which may be indicative of genetic defects or contagious diseases, as well as for monitoring efficacy in the treatment of contagious diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Xtrana, Inc.
    Inventors: Diane L. Kozwich, John C. Gerdes
  • Patent number: 6063568
    Abstract: A method for the quantitative monitoring of gene expression without either co-amplification of an added template or use of an endogenous constitutive transcript is provided. The process involves a duplex amplification reaction in which a single set of primers is used to amplify both genomic DNA and expressed mRNA from the same gene sequence. These primers are targeted for sequences flanking the splice junction/intron sequences for the mRNA/DNA respectively. By their use, any suitable nucleic acid amplification technology yields mRNA and DNA amplimers which are distinguishable by length and sequence heterogeneity. These amplimers are present in the final amplification reaction in ratios which are dependent upon the ratios of the expressed mRNA to the DNA in the sample, allowing the quantitation of mRNA in a sample which is normalized to the number of copies of genomic DNA since the genomic DNA acts as the internal quantitation standard, and in effect yields the amount of mRNA per cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Molecular Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Gerdes, Jeffrey M. Marmaro