Patents by Inventor Margaret Wheatley
Margaret Wheatley 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).
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Patent number: 12090203Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing acoustically-sensitive microbubbles. The method includes the steps of: i) preparing a first surfactant solution comprising a first micelle-forming surfactant at a concentration above the critical micelle concentration (CMC); ii) adding one or more pharmaceutical compounds in a solvent to the first surfactant solution, thereby loading the micelles with the one or more pharmaceutical compounds; iii) preparing a second surfactant solution comprising a second surfactant, wherein the second surfactant comprises one or more matrix forming surfactants; iv) adding heat to the second surfactant solution to melt the surfactant and allowing the mixture to cool under rapid stirring; v) combining the second surfactant solution with the loaded micelles; vi) purging the surfactant mixture with a purging gas; vii) agitating the purged mixture under a constant stream of the purging gas; and, viii) separating the formed microbubbles by size.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignees: Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson UniversityInventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, John Robert Eisenbrey, Brian E. Oeffinger, Purva Vaidya
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Publication number: 20230044615Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for freeze-drying surfactant-stabilized microbubbles. The method includes: preparing vials comprising a mixture comprising microbubbles; partially submerging the vials in a chilled water bath, wherein the water bath has a sub-freezing temperature; placing the vials on a cooled shelf of a lyophilizer; freeze-drying the vials in the lyophilizer; and capping the freeze-dried vials. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for annealing surfactant-stabilized microbubbles. The method includes: preparing vials comprising a mixture comprising microbubbles; passing the vials in and out of liquid nitrogen (LN2) until the mixture is frozen; holding the vials at ?20° C.; placing the vials on a cooled shelf of a lyophilizer; freeze-drying the vials in the lyophilizer; and capping the freeze-dried vials.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicants: Thomas Jefferson University, Drexel UniversityInventors: Brian Edward Oeffinger, Margaret A. Wheatley, Rawan Shraim, Purva Vaidya, John Robert Eisenbrey
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Publication number: 20220249667Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing acoustically-sensitive microbubbles. The method includes the steps of: i) preparing a first surfactant solution comprising a first micelle-forming surfactant at a concentration above the critical micelle concentration (CMC); ii) adding one or more pharmaceutical compounds in a solvent to the first surfactant solution, thereby loading the micelles with the one or more pharmaceutical compounds; iii) preparing a second surfactant solution comprising a second surfactant, wherein the second surfactant comprises one or more matrix forming surfactants; iv) adding heat to the second surfactant solution to melt the surfactant and allowing the mixture to cool under rapid stirring; v) combining the second surfactant solution with the loaded micelles; vi) purging the surfactant mixture with a purging gas; vii) agitating the purged mixture under a constant stream of the purging gas; and, viii) separating the formed microbubbles by size.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2020Publication date: August 11, 2022Applicants: Drexel University, Thomas Jefferson UniversityInventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, John Robert Eisenbrey, Brian E. Oeffinger, Purva Vaidya
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Patent number: 11389552Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for freeze-drying surfactant-stabilized microbubbles. The method includes: preparing vials comprising a mixture comprising microbubbles; partially submerging the vials in a chilled water bath, wherein the water bath has a sub-freezing temperature; placing the vials on a cooled shelf of a lyophilizer; freeze-drying the vials in the lyophilizer; and capping the freeze-dried vials. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for annealing surfactant-stabilized microbubbles. The method includes: preparing vials comprising a mixture comprising microbubbles; passing the vials in and out of liquid nitrogen (LN2) until the mixture is frozen; holding the vials at ?20° C.; placing the vials on a cooled shelf of a lyophilizer; freeze-drying the vials in the lyophilizer; and capping the freeze-dried vials.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2020Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignees: Thomas Jefferson University, Drexel UniversityInventors: Brian Edward Oeffinger, Margaret A. Wheatley, Rawan Shraim, Purva Vaidya, John Robert Eisenbrey
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Publication number: 20200289679Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for freeze-drying surfactant-stabilized microbubbles. The method includes: preparing vials comprising a mixture comprising microbubbles; partially submerging the vials in a chilled water bath, wherein the water bath has a sub-freezing temperature; placing the vials on a cooled shelf of a lyophilizer; freeze-drying the vials in the lyophilizer; and capping the freeze-dried vials. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for annealing surfactant-stabilized microbubbles. The method includes: preparing vials comprising a mixture comprising microbubbles; passing the vials in and out of liquid nitrogen (LN2) until the mixture is frozen; holding the vials at ?20° C.; placing the vials on a cooled shelf of a lyophilizer; freeze-drying the vials in the lyophilizer; and capping the freeze-dried vials.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Brian Edward Oeffinger, Margaret A. Wheatley, Rawan Shraim, Purva Vaidya, John Robert Eisenbrey
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Patent number: 9700640Abstract: Provided is a particle-stabilized ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) and methods of preparing same. Also provided is a method for preparing a lyoprotected UCA, a freeze-dried lyoprotected UCA, and a reconstituted freeze-dried lyoprotected UCA.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Boriphat Methachan, Carl D. Solis
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Patent number: 9220709Abstract: This invention provides an improvement to methods of drug loading of ultrasound contrast agents. Echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof produced by the method of the invention wherein the echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof contain at least 10% more of a drug as compared to (1) echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof prepared by adding drug prior to emulsifying or (2) echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof prepared by adding drug to lyophilized polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Odelia Mualem Burstein, John R. Eisenbrey, Dalia El-Sherif
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Patent number: 8877498Abstract: The present invention relates to scaffolds that can physically guide cells, e.g. neurons, while best matching the material properties of native tissue. The present invention also relates to methods of generating such scaffolds, and for the use of such scaffolds, e.g. in spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury repair. The methods of the present invention include a uniquely controlled freeze casting process to generate highly porous, linearly oriented scaffolds. The scaffolds of the present invention not only comprise a highly aligned porosity, but also contain secondary guidance structures in the form of ridges running parallel to the pores to create a series of microstructured and highly aligned channels. This hierarchy of structural guidance aligns and guides neurite outgrowth down the channels created by the ridges, and keep neurites from branching perpendicular to the inter-ridge grooves.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Ulrike G.K. Wegst, Margaret Wheatley, Benjamin W. Riblett, Nicola Francis, Amalie Elizabeth Donius
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Publication number: 20140213702Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a precursor to an echogenic polymer microcapsule or nanocapsule. The precursor includes an emulsion including a polymer solution and an aqueous solution including a water-soluble sublimable solute. This aspect of the invention can have a variety of embodiments. In one embodiment, the water-soluble sublimable solute can be an ammonium salt. For example, the ammonium salt can be ammonium carbonate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Dalia El-Sherif
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Patent number: 8715622Abstract: Methods for producing echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Dalia El-Sherif
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Publication number: 20120237450Abstract: Provided is a particle-stabilized ultrasound contrast agentn (UCA) and methods of preparing same. Also provided is a method for preparing a lyoprotected UCA, a freeze-dried lyoprotected UCA, and a reconstituted freeze-dried lyoprotected UCA.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2010Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Boriphat Methachan, Carl D. Solis
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Publication number: 20120149111Abstract: The present invention relates to scaffolds that can physically guide cells, e.g. neurons, while best matching the material properties of native tissue. The present invention also relates to methods of generating such scaffolds, and for the use of such scaffolds, e.g. in spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury repair. The methods of the present invention include a uniquely controlled freeze casting process to generate highly porous, linearly oriented scaffolds. The scaffolds of the present invention not only comprise a highly aligned porosity, but also contain secondary guidance structures in the form of ridges running parallel to the pores to create a series of microstructured and highly aligned channels. This hierarchy of structural guidance aligns and guides neurite outgrowth down the channels created by the ridges, and keep neurites from branching perpendicular to the inter-ridge grooves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventors: Ulrike G.K. WEGST, Margaret WHEATLEY, Benjamin W. RIBLETT, Nicola FRANCIS, Amalie Elizabeth DONIUS
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Publication number: 20110264117Abstract: A tissue joining device and a surgical instrument for employing the tissue joining device are provided. The tissue joining device may be designed such that a first member may be inserted into a second member in discrete increments so that two lumen structures can properly be combined.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicants: Philadelphia Health & Education Corporation d/ba Drexel University College of Medicine, Drexel UniversityInventors: Bradley Edward Layton, Margaret A. Wheatley, Ari Brooks, Andrew J. Bohl, Daniel S. Frame
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Publication number: 20110125079Abstract: Methods for producing echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Dalia El-Sherif
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Patent number: 7897141Abstract: Methods for producing echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Dalia El-Sherif
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Publication number: 20110033504Abstract: The invention concerns substrates comprising a biocompatible gel and at least one of a plurality of cells, said cells being capable of producing at least one therapeutic agent. Other aspects of the invention concern methods of making such substrates and methods of repairing and regenerating damaged nervous tissue with the substrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventors: Margaret Wheatley, Justin Lathia, Mihir Shanbhag, Nicola Francis
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Publication number: 20100114129Abstract: The instant invention concerns a device for joining tissue comprising a ring and rivet, the ring comprises a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer and contains at least one bioactive agent. The rivet has a hollow lumen. The invention also relates to methods of making such devices and the use of such devices in joining tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2007Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Ari D. Brooks
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Publication number: 20090196827Abstract: This invention provides an improvement to methods of drug loading of ultrasound contrast agents. Echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof produced by the method of the invention wherein the echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof contain at least 10% more of a drug as compared to (1) echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof prepared by adding drug prior to emulsifying or (2) echogenic drug-loaded polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof prepared by adding drug to lyophilized polymer microcapsules, nanocapsules, or mixtures thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: Drexel UniversityInventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Odelia Mualem Burstein, John R. Eisenbrey, Dalia El-Sherif
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Publication number: 20090028797Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of manufacturing nanosized polymeric echogenic contrast agents. The method of the present invention comprises a modified salting out process which results on nanosized polymeric capsules encapsulating an aqueous core that is subsequently evacuated. The compositions of the present invention can be used as contrast agents as well as to deliver therapeutic agents to specific targets.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, John Lewandowski
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Publication number: 20080279783Abstract: A method for producing surfactant-stabilized microcapsules or nanocapsules including the steps of (a) preparing a suspension comprising a non-ionic sorbitan detergent and a salt in phosphate buffered saline; (b) adding to the suspension a nonionic polyoxyethylenesorbitan detergent to produce a solution; (c) heating while stirring the solution of step (b) to 55±5° C. and maintaining the temperature of the solution at 55±5° C. for several minutes; (d) allowing the solution to cool to room temperature; (e) autoclaving the solution; (f) creating surfactant-stabilized microbubbles and nanobubbles in the solution; and (g) collecting surfactant-stabilized nanocapsules and microcapsules formed from the microbubbles and nanobubbles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Applicant: Drexel UniversityInventors: Margaret A. Wheatley, Brian E. Oeffinger, Nikhil Dhoot, Justin Lathia