Patents by Inventor Katsuo Kurabayashi

Katsuo Kurabayashi 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: 11701656
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for collecting and merging two different size droplets using a substrate comprising a plurality of trapping sites. In certain embodiments, provided herein are systems composed of a plurality of larger droplets and smaller droplets and a substrate comprising a plurality of trapping sites where each trapping site is configured to trap only one of the larger droplets and only one of the smaller droplets when the larger droplet is already present at the trapping site. In particular embodiments, the larger and/or smaller droplets are sorted prior to being contacted with the substrate to ensure they contain the desired component (e.g., cell or barcoded bead). In other embodiments, each trapping site is composed of one or multiple fluidically linked capture wells. In some embodiments, collected larger and smaller droplets are merged (e.g., via a demulsifier or electricity).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Dawen Cai, Daniel Nunez, Katsuo Kurabayashi, Meng-Ting Chung
  • Patent number: 11650204
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for performing assays. In particular, provided herein are systems and methods for performing sensitive and rapid immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Young Geun Park, Byunghoon Ryu, Xiaogan Liang, Katsuo Kurabayashi
  • Publication number: 20230081896
    Abstract: Provided herein is an air monitoring system with a venturi pump including an air supply passageway, a sample passageway, and a discharge passageway, the discharge passageway in fluid communication with the air supply passageway and the sample passageway, and a detection device including a biochip, a light emitting source, a photodetector, and a controller electronically coupled to the photodetector. Also provided herein is a photonic biogel and uses thereof for spectroscopic detection of airborne pathogens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Byunghoon Ryu, Jay Chen, Xiaogan Liang, Katsuo Kurabayashi, Young Geun Park
  • Publication number: 20220410122
    Abstract: A gas chromatography device for peak focusing of one or more target analytes is provided that include a chromatographic column with an inlet and an outlet. A stationary phase is deposited inside the chromatographic column and has a positive thickness gradient. The stationary phase extends from the inlet to the outlet and has a first thickness at the inlet of the chromatographic column and a second thickness at the outlet of the chromatographic column. The second thickness is at least about 10% greater than the first thickness. Methods of peak focusing in a gas chromatography device, method of verifying peak focusing in a gas chromatography device and creating a gas chromatography device having a chromatographic column with a positive thickness gradient are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Xudong FAN, Hongbo ZHU, Jinyan SHE, Maxwell Wei-Hao LI, Katsuo KURABAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20220397528
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and kits for detecting molecules in a sample with a pre-equilibrium digital immunoassay. The methods and systems provide means for quantifying molecules in a biological sample of minimal volume in short amounts of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Katsuo Kurabayashi, Muneesh Tewari, Sung Won Choi, Yujing Song, Shiuan-Haur Su
  • Publication number: 20220387995
    Abstract: A blood biomarker analysis systems providing fast biomarker identification includes a multimodal bioassay device having a biosensor within a portable pipette-shaped device and using nanoplasmonic barcode detectors, such as formed of antibody conjugated gold nanoparticle arrays (AuNPs), capable of capturing any of a plurality of biomarkers. The biomarker analysis system further includes the pipette-shaped device being smartphone-connected and portable to form a highly accurate, point-of-care bioassay device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Katsuo Kurabayashi, Kevin R. Ward, Young Geun Park, Xiaogan Liang, Byunghoon Ryu
  • Publication number: 20220082559
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for assays. In particular, provided herein are systems and methods for performing high throughput immunoassays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Pengyu Chen, Katsuo Kurabayashi, Timothy T. Cornell, Thomas P. Shanley, Meng Ting Chung, Yujing Song, Walker M. McHugh
  • Publication number: 20210341422
    Abstract: An integrated microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) is provided including a microfluidic ionization chamber a microfluidic ultraviolet radiation chamber that is configured to generate ultraviolet photons. An ultrathin transmissive window is disposed between the microfluidic ionization chamber and the microfluidic ultraviolet radiation chamber that permits the ultraviolet photons to pass from the microfluidic ultraviolet radiation chamber into the microfluidic ionization chamber. Detection systems for one or more VOC analytes are also provided that include a gas chromatography (GC) unit including at least one gas chromatography column and an integrated microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) disposed downstream of the gas chromatography (GC) unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Xudong FAN, Hongbo ZHU, Katsuo KURABAYASHI
  • Patent number: 11137394
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for assays. In particular, provided herein are systems and methods for performing high throughput immunoassays. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide multiplex capable LSPR immunoassays that meet a need for rapid (e.g., near real time), accurate immunoassays (e.g. for use in beside diagnostics). The LSPR assays are as accurate as existing ELISA assays but provide the advantage of increased speed and multiplex capability. In addition, the LSPR immunoassays are able to analyze small volumes of complex patient samples (e.g., serum).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Pengyu Chen, Katsuo Kurabayashi, Timothy T. Cornell, Thomas P. Shanley, Meng Ting Chung, Yujing Song, Walker M. McHugh
  • Publication number: 20200330991
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods, and articles of manufacture for collecting and merging two different size droplets using a substrate comprising a plurality of trapping sites. In certain embodiments, provided herein are systems composed of a plurality of larger droplets and smaller droplets and a substrate comprising a plurality of trapping sites where each trapping site is configured to trap only one of the larger droplets and only one of the smaller droplets when the larger droplet is already present at the trapping site. In particular embodiments, the larger and/or smaller droplets are sorted prior to being contacted with the substrate to ensure they contain the desired component (e.g., cell or barcoded bead). In other embodiments, each trapping site is composed of one or multiple fluidically linked capture wells. In some embodiments, collected larger and smaller droplets are merged (e.g., via a demulsifier or electricity).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Inventors: Dawen Cai, Daniel Nunez, Katsuo Kurabayashi, Meng-Ting Chung
  • Patent number: 10768150
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for conducting comprehensive chromatography analysis. Broadly, the method comprises separating a sample in a first chromatographic column to generate a primary stream, which is directed toward a non-modulator switching system comprising at least one micro-switch and at least one valve. The non-modulator switching system is continuously operated to: (a) selectively direct a portion of the primary stream to one of a plurality of thermal injectors and accumulating the portion of the primary stream for a predetermined amount of time; (b) inject the portion of the primary stream into one of a plurality of secondary chromatographic columns; (c) detect one or more analytes in a secondary stream exiting the secondary chromatographic column; and repeat (a)-(c) to selectively direct other portions of the primary stream to other thermal injectors and secondary chromatographic columns until all of the analytes in the sample are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Xudong Fan, Jiwon Lee, Menglian Zhou, Hongbo Zhu, Katsuo Kurabayashi
  • Patent number: 10718738
    Abstract: A discharge ionization current detector for ionizing and detecting a sample component where the sample component is ionized by UV light is provided. The detector includes a UV light source, and a microfluidic channel having a first surface including a conducting or semiconducting material and an opposing second surface including a conducting or semiconducting material, one of the first surface and the second surface being a collection electrode and the other of the first surface and the second surface being a bias electrode, the microfluidic channel being configured to receive a sample component. The microfluidic channel is in fluid communication with the UV light source such that, when activated, UV light from the UV light source can enter the microfluidic channel and ionize the sample component, which releases an electron, and the ionized sample component and electron are detected by the collection and bias electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Xudong Fan, Hongbo Zhu, Katsuo Kurabayashi
  • Patent number: 10705061
    Abstract: A rapid flow-through, highly sensitive microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) which is micro-fabricated directly onto a substrate, such as a conductive silicon wafer, is provided. The microfluidic PID has an ionization chamber volume of less than 9 ?L. The microfluidic PID may have a flow through design with a microfluidic channel defines a serpentine pattern on the substrate. The flow through design of the microfluidic PID results in negligible dead volume, thus allowing a shortened response time over existing commercially available designs. Such microfluidic PIDs are particularly useful with gas chromatography (GC), including microGC and multi-dimensional microGC systems. Methods for calibrating PIDs are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Xudong Fan, Hongbo Zhu, Robert Nidetz, Katsuo Kurabayashi, Menglian Zhou, Jiwon Lee
  • Publication number: 20200056992
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for performing assays. In particular, provided herein are systems and methods for performing sensitive and rapid immunoassays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Inventors: Young Geun Park, Byunghoon Ryu, Xiaogan Liang, Katsuo Kurabayashi
  • Publication number: 20180164261
    Abstract: A rapid flow-through, highly sensitive microfluidic photoionization detector (PID) which is micro-fabricated directly onto a substrate, such as a conductive silicon wafer, is provided. The microfluidic PID has an ionization chamber volume of less than 9 ?L. The microfluidic PID may have a flow through design with a microfluidic channel defines a serpentine pattern on the substrate. The flow through design of the microfluidic PID results in negligible dead volume, thus allowing a shortened response time over existing commercially available designs. Such microfluidic PIDs are particularly useful with gas chromatography (GC), including microGC and multi-dimensional microGC systems. Methods for calibrating PIDs are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Xudong FAN, Hongbo ZHU, Robert NIDETZ, Katsuo KURABAYASHI, Menglian ZHOU, Jiwon LEE
  • Publication number: 20180095060
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for conducting comprehensive chromatography analysis. Broadly, the method comprises separating a sample in a first chromatographic column to generate a primary stream, which is directed toward a non-modulator switching system comprising at least one micro-switch and at least one valve. The non-modulator switching system is continuously operated to: (a) selectively direct a portion of the primary stream to one of a plurality of thermal injectors and accumulating the portion of the primary stream for a predetermined amount of time; (b) inject the portion of the primary stream into one of a plurality of secondary chromatographic columns; (c) detect one or more analytes in a secondary stream exiting the secondary chromatographic column; and repeat (a)-(c) to selectively direct other portions of the primary stream to other thermal injectors and secondary chromatographic columns until all of the analytes in the sample are detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Xudong Fan, Jiwon Lee, Menglian Zhou, Hongbo Zhu, Katsuo Kurabayashi
  • Patent number: 9921406
    Abstract: An optical device is described that may be used as a microscope system for real-time, three-dimensional optical imaging. The device includes a miniature, fiber optic, intra-vital probe microscope that uses a dual-axes confocal architecture to allow for vertical scanning perpendicular to a surface of the sample (e.g., a tissue surface). The optical device can use off-axis illumination and collection of light to achieve sub-cellular resolution with deep tissue penetration. The optical device may be used as part of an integrated molecular imaging strategy using fluorescence-labeled peptides to detect cell surface targets that are up-regulated by the epithelium and/or endothelium of colon and breast tumors in small animal models of cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wang, Katsuo Kurabayashi, Kenn Oldham, Zhen Qiu
  • Publication number: 20180059058
    Abstract: A discharge ionization current detector for ionizing and detecting a sample component where the sample component is ionized by UV light is provided. The detector includes a UV light source, and a microfluidic channel having a first surface including a conducting or semiconducting material and an opposing second surface including a conducting or semiconducting material, one of the first surface and the second surface being a collection electrode and the other of the first surface and the second surface being a bias electrode, the microfluidic channel being configured to receive a sample component. The microfluidic channel is in fluid communication with the UV light source such that, when activated, UV light from the UV light source can enter the microfluidic channel and ionize the sample component, which releases an electron, and the ionized sample component and electron are detected by the collection and bias electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Xudong FAN, Hongbo ZHU, Katsuo KURABAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20180031549
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for assays. In particular, provided herein are systems and methods for performing high throughput immunoassays. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide multiplex capable LSPR immunoassays that meet a need for rapid (e.g., near real time), accurate immunoassays (e.g. for use in beside diagnostics). The LSPR assays are as accurate as existing ELISA assays but provide the advantage of increased speed and multiplex capability. In addition, the LSPR immunoassays are able to analyze small volumes of complex patient samples (e.g., serum).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Pengyu Chen, Katsuo Kurabayashi, Timothy T. Cornell, Thomas P. Shanley, Meng Ting Chung, Yujing Song, Walker M. McHugh
  • Patent number: 9678037
    Abstract: Atomically layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) exhibit a significant potential to enable low-cost transistor biosensors that permit single-molecule-level quantification of biomolecules. Two different principles for operating such biosensors are presented. In one arrangement, antibody receptors are functionalized on an insulating layer deposited onto the channel of the transistor. The charge introduced through antigen-antibody binding is capacitively coupled with the channel and shifts the threshold voltage without significantly changing the transconductance. In another arrangement, antibodies are functionalized directly on the channel of the transistor. Antigen-antibody binding events mainly modulate the ON-state transconductance, which is attributed to the disordered potential formed in channel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents Of The University Of Michigan
    Inventors: Xiaogan Liang, Katsuo Kurabayashi