Patents by Inventor Norman Wen

Norman Wen 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: 12378519
    Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignees: EMULATE, INC., CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carolina Lucchesi, Christopher David Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Geraldine Hamilton, Gad Vatine, Samuel Sances, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, Dhruv Sareen
  • Patent number: 12378528
    Abstract: Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices for culturing living cells in micrometer sized chambers in order to model physiological functions of tissues and organs. Engineered patterning and continuous fluid flow in these devices has allowed culturing of intestinal cells bearing physiologically relevant features and sustained exposure to bacteria while maintaining cellular viability, thereby allowing study of inflammatory bowl diseases. However, existing intestinal cells do not possess all physiologically relevant subtypes, do not possess the repertoire of genetic variations, or allow for study of other important cellular actors such as immune cells. Use of iPSC-derived epithelium, including IBD patient-specific cells, allows for superior disease modeling by capturing the multi-faceted nature of the disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignees: EMULATE, INC., CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carol Lucchesi, Christopher David Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Jefferson Puerta, Geraldine Hamilton, Robert Barrett, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, Stephen R. Targan, Michael Workman, Dhruv Sareen, Uthra Rajamani, Magdalena Kasendra
  • Patent number: 12325846
    Abstract: A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Antonio Varone, Norman Wen, Daniel Levner, Richard Novak, Lori McPartlin, Donald E. Ingber, Youngjae Choe, Lian Leng, Justin K. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 12298320
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of microfluidics and compound distribution within microfluidic devices and their associated systems. In one embodiment, present invention aims to solve the problem of molecule and compound absorbency into the materials making up laboratory equipment, microfluidic devices and their related infrastructure, without unduly restricting gas transport within microfluidic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC.
    Inventors: Josiah Sliz, Daniel Levner, Brian Zuckerman, Norman Wen, Jonathan Rubins, Tanvi Shroff, Christopher David Hinojosa, Grace Ahn, Victor Antontsev, Jefferson Puerta, David Conegliano, S. Jordan Kerns
  • Patent number: 12209253
    Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignees: EMULATE, INC., CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: S.Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carol Lucchesi, Christopher Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Geraldine Hamilton, Gad Vatine, Samuel Sances, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, II, Dhruv Sareen
  • Patent number: 12187996
    Abstract: A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Antonio Varone, Norman Wen, Daniel Levner, Richard Novak, Lori McPartlin, Donald E. Ingber, Youngjae Choe, Lian Leng, Justin K. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 12173263
    Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Jose Fernandez-Alcon, Norman Wen, Richard Novak, Donald E. Ingber, Geraldine A. Hamilton, Christopher Hinojosa, Karel Domansky, Daniel Levner, Guy Thompson, II, Kambez Hajipouran Benam, Remi Villenave, Thomas Umundum, Alfred Paris, Georg Bauer
  • Publication number: 20240344005
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and understanding cancer, and, more specifically, for understanding the factors that contribute to cancer invading tissues and causing metastases. Tumor cells are grown on microfluidic devices with other non-cancerous tissues under conditions that simulate tumor invasion. The interaction with immune cells can be tested to inhibit this activity by linking a cancer chip to a lymph chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: Geraldine A. Hamilton, Norman Wen, Catherine Karalis, Antonio Varone, Daniel Levner, Riccardo Barrile
  • Patent number: 12091650
    Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC.
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carolina Lucchesi, Christopher David Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Geraldine Hamilton, Gad Vatine, Samuel Sances, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, Dhruv Sareen
  • Patent number: 12070746
    Abstract: Microfluidic “organ-on-a-chip” devices have been developed with the aim to replicate human tissues in vitro. However, there is no option to quantitatively monitor biological processes that take place within the chip, over time. Destructive methods in order to analyze, tissue formation, gene expression, protein secretion etc. require the harvest of the “tissue” at a certain time point. Described herein are methods and compositions for non-destructive molecular imaging methods and systems in order to quantitatively monitor specific biological processes, over time, within the chip, without the need to harvest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignees: EMULATE, Inc., CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Dan Gazit, Gadi Pelled, Zulma Gazit, Dmitriy Sheyn, Christopher David Hinojosa, Norman Wen, Geraldine Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20240254449
    Abstract: Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices for culturing living cells in micrometer sized chambers in order to model physiological functions of tissues and organs. Engineered patterning and continuous fluid flow in these devices has allowed culturing of intestinal cells bearing physiologically relevant features and sustained exposure to bacteria while maintaining cellular viability, thereby allowing study of inflammatory bowl diseases. However, existing intestinal cells do not possess all physiologically relevant subtypes, do not possess the repertoire of genetic variations, or allow for study of other important cellular actors such as immune cells. Use of iPSC-derived epithelium, including IBD patient-specific cells, allows for superior disease modeling by capturing the multi-faceted nature of the disease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carol Lucchesi, Christopher David Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Jefferson Puerta, Geraldine Hamilton, Robert Barrett, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, Stephen R. Targan, Michael Workman, Dhruv Sareen, Uthra Rajamani, Magdalena Kasendra
  • Publication number: 20240228954
    Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carolina Lucchesi, Christopher David Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Geraldine Hamilton, Gad Vatine, Samuel Sances, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, Dhruv Sareen
  • Publication number: 20240218309
    Abstract: A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Antonio Varone, Norman Wen, Daniel Levner, Richard Novak, Lori McPartlin, Donald E. Ingber, Youngjae Choe, Lian Leng, Justin K. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 12019083
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of microfluidics and compound distribution within microfluidic devices and their associated systems. In one embodiment, present invention aims to solve the problem of molecule and compound absorbency into the materials making up laboratory equipment, microfluidic devices and their related infrastructure, without unduly restricting gas transport within microfluidic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC.
    Inventors: Josiah Sliz, Daniel Levner, Brian Zuckerman, Norman Wen, Jonathan Rubins, Tanvi Shroff, Christopher David Hinojosa, Grace Ahn, Victor Antontsev, Jefferson Puerta, David Conegliano, S. Jordan Kerns
  • Patent number: 11970680
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a microfluidic platforms or “chips” for testing and understanding cancer, and, more specifically, for understanding the factors that contribute to cancer invading tissues and causing metastases. Tumor cells are grown on microfluidic devices with other non-cancerous tissues under conditions that simulate tumor invasion. The interaction with immune cells can be tested to inhibit this activity by linking a cancer chip to a lymph chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: EMULATE, Inc.
    Inventors: Geraldine A. Hamilton, Norman Wen, Catherine Karalis, Antonio Varone, Daniel Levner, Riccardo Barrile
  • Patent number: 11952592
    Abstract: Organs-on-chips are microfluidic devices for culturing living cells in micrometer sized chambers in order to model physiological functions of tissues and organs. Engineered patterning and continuous fluid flow in these devices has allowed culturing of intestinal cells bearing physiologically relevant features and sustained exposure to bacteria while maintaining cellular viability, thereby allowing study of inflammatory bowl diseases. However, existing intestinal cells do not possess all physiologically relevant subtypes, do not possess the repertoire of genetic variations, or allow for study of other important cellular actors such as immune cells. Use of iPSC-derived epithelium, including IBD patient-specific cells, allows for superior disease modeling by capturing the multi-faceted nature of the disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC.
    Inventors: S. Jordan Kerns, Norman Wen, Carol Lucchesi, Christopher David Hinojosa, Jacob Fraser, Jefferson Puerta, Geraldine Hamilton, Robert Barrett, Clive Svendsen, Daniel Levner, Stephen R Targan, Michael Workman, Dhruv Sareen, Uthra Rajamani, Magdalena Kasendra
  • Publication number: 20240084235
    Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Jose Fernandez-Alcon, Norman Wen, Richard Novak, Donald E. Ingber, Geraldine A. Hamilton, Christopher Hinojosa, Karel Domansky, Daniel Levner, Guy Thompson, II, Kambez Hajipouran Benam, Remi Villenave, Thomas Umundum, Alfred Paris, Georg Bauer
  • Patent number: 11859165
    Abstract: A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: EMULATE, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Levner, Christopher David Hinojosa, Norman Wen, Antonio Varone, Justin Nguyen, Lina Williamson, S. Jordan Kerns, Catherine Karalis, Geraldine Hamilton, Carol Lucchesi
  • Publication number: 20230287324
    Abstract: A microfluidic device is contemplated comprising an open-top cavity with structural anchors on the vertical wall surfaces that serve to prevent gel shrinkage-induced delamination, a porous membrane (optionally stretchable) positioned in the middle over a microfluidic channel(s). The device is particularly suited to the growth of cells mimicking dermal layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel Levner, Christopher David Hinojosa, Norman Wen, Antonio Varone, Justin Nguyen, Lina Williamson, S. Jordan Kerns, Catherine Karalis, Geraldine Hamilton, Carol Lucchesi
  • Publication number: 20230159872
    Abstract: A device for simulating a function of a tissue includes a first structure, a second structure, and a membrane. The first structure defines a first chamber. The first chamber includes a matrix disposed therein and an opened region. The second structure defines a second chamber. The membrane is located at an interface region between the first chamber and the second chamber. The membrane includes a first side facing toward the first chamber and a second side facing toward the second chamber. The membrane separates the first chamber from the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Antonio Varone, Norman Wen, Daniel Levner, Richard Novak, Lori McPartlin, Donald E. Ingber, Youngjae Choe, Lian Leng, Justin K. Nguyen