Patents by Inventor Michael M. Becker
Michael M. Becker 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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Publication number: 20090181395Abstract: Method of detecting methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) in a nucleic acid coamplification assay. The invention advantageously reduces the incidence of false-positive MRSA determinations in real-time assays by requiring satisfaction of a threshold criterion that excludes certain co-infections from the MRSA determination. The invention further provides for determination of MSSA, even when the MSSA is present in combination with methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative (MR-CoNS) bacteria at high or low levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Michael M. BECKER, Kui GAO, Wai-Chung LAM
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Publication number: 20090170168Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods of synthesizing multiple copies of a target nucleic acid sequence which are autocatalytic (i.e., able to cycle automatically without the need to modify reaction conditions such as temperature, pH, or ionic strength and using the product of one cycle in the next one). In particular, the present invention discloses a method of nucleic acid amplification which is robust and efficient, while reducing the appearance of side-products. The method uses only one primer, the “priming oligonucleotide,” a promoter oligonucleotide modified to prevent polymerase extension from its 3?-terminus and, optionally, a means for terminating a primer extension reaction, to amplify RNA or DNA molecules in vitro, while reducing or substantially eliminating the formation of side-products. The method of the present invention minimizes or substantially eliminates the emergence of side-products, thus providing a high level of specificity.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Michael M. BECKER, Kristin W. LIVEZEY, Steven T. BRENTANO
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Patent number: 7510837Abstract: Method of preparing a biological sample appropriate for use in a subsequent in vitro nucleic acid amplification reaction. The method involves a rapid, transient exposure to alkaline conditions which can be achieved by mixing an alkaline solution with a pH-buffered solution that includes a detergent and the biological sample to be tested for the presence of particular nucleic acid species using in vitro amplification. The invented method advantageously can improve detection of some target nucleic acids without substantially compromising detectability of others. The method is particularly useful for simultaneously preparing RNA and DNA templates that can be used in multiplex amplification reactions.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Kui Gao, Michael M. Becker, Wen Wu, Jeffrey M. Linnen
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Patent number: 7495093Abstract: The present invention concerns oligonucleotides containing one or more modified nucleotides which increase the binding affinity of the oligonucleotides to target nucleic acids having a complementary nucleotide base sequence. These modified oligonucleotides hybridize to the target sequence at a faster rate than unmodified oligonucleotides having an identical nucleotide base sequence. Such modified oligonucleotides include oligonucleotides containing at least one 2?-O-methylribofuranosyl moiety joined to a nitrogenous base. Oligonucleotides can be modified in accordance with the present invention to preferentially bind RNA targets. The present invention also concerns methods of using these modified oligonucleotides and kits containing the same.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Michael M. Becker, Mehrdad R. Majlessi
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Publication number: 20080286775Abstract: Methods for capturing a target nucleic acid from a sample by using a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to the target nucleic acid and binds specifically to an immobilized probe via a specific binding pair that has one member on the capture probe and one member on the immobilized probe are disclosed. Compositions that include a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to a target nucleic acid and specifically to an immobilized probe via binding of members of a specific binding pair in a solution phase of a reaction mixture are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Michael M. BECKER, Mehrdad R. MAJLESSI
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Patent number: 7399852Abstract: The present invention concerns oligonucleotides containing one or more modified nucleotides which increase the binding affinity of the oligonucleotides to target nucleic acids having a complementary nucleotide base sequence. These modified oligonucleotides hybridize to the target sequence at a faster rate than unmodified oligonucleotides having an identical nucleotide base sequence. Such modified oligonucleotides include oligonucleotides containing at least one 2?-O-methylribofuranosyl moiety joined to a nitrogenous base. Oligonucleotides can be modified in accordance with the present invention to preferentially bind RNA targets. The present invention also concerns methods of using these modified oligonucleotides and kits containing the same.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Michael M. Becker, Mehrdad Majlessi, Steven T. Brentano
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Publication number: 20080131892Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for detecting and quantifying levels of an analyte polynucleotide in homogeneous assays using collections of soluble or immobilized hybridization probes. In certain preferred embodiments, the probes are immobilized in an array format. Polynucleotides may be quantified directly, or amplified in an in vitro nucleic acid amplification reaction prior to detection and quantitation. Amplification reactions may be performed in contact with the invented probes, and analyte amplicons quantified in real-time or end-point assays.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Michael M. Becker, Norman C. Nelson
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Patent number: 7374945Abstract: The present invention features a method and associated kit for increasing the association rate between polynucleotides having complementary, single-stranded regions, where the method includes providing to a test sample containing the complementary polynucleotides one or more synthetic, water soluble polycationic polymers.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventor: Michael M. Becker
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Patent number: 7374885Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods of synthesizing multiple copies of a target nucleic acid sequence which are autocatalytic (i.e., able to cycle automatically without the need to modify reaction conditions such as temperature, pH, or ionic strength and using the product of one cycle in the next one). In particular, the present invention discloses a method of nucleic acid amplification which is robust and efficient, while reducing the appearance of side-products. The method uses only one primer, the “priming oligonucleotide,” a promoter oligonucleotide modified to prevent polymerase extension from its 3?-terminus and, optionally, a means for terminating a primer extension reaction, to amplify RNA or DNA molecules in vitro, while reducing or substantially eliminating the formation of side-products. The method of the present invention minimizes or substantially eliminates the emergence of side-products, thus providing a high level of specificity.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Michael M. Becker, Wai-Chung Lam, Kristin W. Livezey, Steven T. Brentano, Daniel P. Kolk, Astrid R. W. Schroder
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Publication number: 20080114161Abstract: The present invention concerns oligonucleotides containing one or more modified nucleotides which increase the binding affinity of the oligonucleotides to target nucleic acids having a complementary nucleotide base sequence. These modified oligonucleotides hybridize to the target sequence at a faster rate than unmodified oligonucleotides having an identical nucleotide base sequence. Such modified oligonucleotides include oligonucleotides containing at least one 2?-methylribofuranosyl moiety joined to a nitrogenous base. Oligonucleotides can be modified in accordance with the present invention to preferentially bind RNA targets. The present invention also concerns methods of using these modified oligonucleotides and kits containing the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATEDInventors: Michael M. BECKER, Mehrdad MAJLESSI, Steven T. BRENTANO
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Patent number: 7252947Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Michael M. Becker, Gary P. Schroth
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Patent number: 7250259Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Michael M. Becker, Gary P. Schroth
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Patent number: 7070925Abstract: The present invention concerns oligonucleotides containing one or more modified nucleotides which increase the binding affinity of the oligonucleotides to target nucleic acids having a complementary nucleotide base sequence. These modified oligonucleotides hybridize to the target sequence at a faster rate than unmodified oligonucleotides having an identical nucleotide base sequence. Such modified oligonucleotides include oligonucleotides containing at least one 2?-O-methylribofuranosyl moiety joined to a nitrogenous base. Oligonucleotides can be modified in accordance with the present invention to preferentially bind RNA targets. The present invention also concerns methods of using these modified oligonucleotides and kits containing the same.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Michael M. Becker, Mehrdad Majlessi, Steven T. Brentano
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Patent number: 6903206Abstract: The present invention concerns oligonucleotides containing one or more modified nucleotides which increase the binding affinity of the oligonucleotides to target nucleic acids having a complementary nucleotide base sequence. These modified oligonucleotides hybridize to the target sequence at a faster rate than unmodified oligonucleotides having an identical nucleotide base sequence. Such modified oligonucleotides include oligonucleotides containing at least one 2?-O-methylribofuranosyl moiety joined to a nitrogenous base. Oligonucleotides can be modified in accordance with the present invention to preferentially bind RNA targets. The present invention also concerns methods of using these modified oligonucleotides and kits containing the same.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Michael M. Becker, Mehrdad Majlessi, Steven T. Brentano
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Patent number: 6902891Abstract: A process of fragmenting and labeling a synthetic or natural nucleic acid, comprising the steps of providing a mixture containing a nucleic acid, a labeling agent containing a detectable label, and at least one multivalent metal cation in a substantially aqueous solution; chemically fragmenting the nucleic acid in the mixture to produce a multiplicity of nucleic acid fragments; and attaching at least one label to at least one of the nucleic acid fragments to produce a detectably labeled nucleic acid fragment.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignees: Bio Merieux, Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Ali Laayoun, Lionel Menou, Christelle Tora, Aloke R. Banerjee, Michael M. Becker, Kenneth A. Browne, Matthew C. Friedenberg, Fred F. Hajjar
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Patent number: 6849412Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Michael M. Becker, Gary P. Schroth
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Patent number: 6835542Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Gen-Probe IncorporatedInventors: Michael M. Becker, Gary P. Schroth
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Publication number: 20040077014Abstract: Kit for increasing the association rate between a polynucleotide probe and a target nucleic acid, where the kit includes a polynucleotide probe, a synthetic polycationic polymer for increasing the association rate of the probe and a target nucleic acid, and a dissociating reagent for dissociating the polymer from the probe and the target nucleic acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventor: Michael M. Becker
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Publication number: 20030165957Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Michael M. Becker, Gary P. Schroth
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Publication number: 20030157542Abstract: The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Michael M. Becker, Gary P. Schroth