Patents by Inventor Robert N. Grass

Robert N. Grass 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).

  • Publication number: 20240011076
    Abstract: One or more enzymes are used to repair damage in synthetic DNA molecules that encode digital information. The enzymes are included in a repair mixture containing one or more of DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, T4 Endonuclease, Endonuclease IV, Endonuclease VIII, and uracil glycosylase. The repair mixture may also contain one or more of a buffering solution, oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and deoxyribose nucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). The synthetic DNA molecules are incubated with the repair mixture for approximately four hours. Use of the repair solution allows recovery of the digital information from damaged DNA molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Robert N. GRASS, Alexander Xavier Christof KOHLL, Weida CHEN
  • Publication number: 20230399676
    Abstract: The invention describes methods and kits for purifying nucleic acids from samples utilizing a novel wash buffer based on DMSO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: PROTONDX LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert N. GRASS
  • Patent number: 11781169
    Abstract: One or more enzymes are used to repair damage in synthetic DNA molecules that encode digital information. The enzymes are included in a repair mixture containing one or more of DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, T4 Endonuclease, Endonuclease IV, Endonuclease VIII, and uracil glycosylase. The repair mixture may also contain one or more of a buffering solution, oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and deoxyribose nucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). The synthetic DNA molecules are incubated with the repair mixture for approximately four hours. Use of the repair solution allows recovery of the digital information from damaged DNA molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Grass, Alexander Xavier Christof Kohll, Weida Chen
  • Publication number: 20230012888
    Abstract: A data storage medium is disclosed comprising a two-dimensional (2D) support structure onto which artificially synthesized DNA molecules encoding digital information are placed and then covered with a protective layer. The 2D support structure is formed from a material such as metal foil, glass, or plastic. The 2D support structure may be functionalized with positively charged molecules to improve DNA adhesion. The DNA is protected from degradation by encapsulation in a protective layer of a non-reactive material such as silica or a thin layer of metal. A process for storing DNA on 2D support structures is also disclosed. Correlation of specific DNA molecules with a physical storage location on a 2D support structure provides geometric addressability for selective access to specific digital information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Karin STRAUSS, Bichlien Hoang NGUYEN, Robert N. GRASS, Alexander Xavier Christof KOHLL, Weida CHEN
  • Patent number: 11539516
    Abstract: The invention is notably directed to a method for encoding information. This method first comprises generating an encryption key according to polymorphic features of nucleic acids from one or more entities. Next, information is encrypted based on the generated key. Finally, the encrypted information is encoded into synthetic DNA. Another aspect concerns a method for retrieving information. Consistently with the above encoding scheme, synthetic DNA in provided, which encodes encrypted information. Such information is read by sequencing the synthetic DNA and by decrypting the information read using a decryption key. The latter is generated according to polymorphic features of nucleic acids from one or more entities (e.g., from the legitimate individual(s) requesting access to information). Thus, the encoded information cannot be interpreted unless a suitable decryption key is available. The invention is further directed to related DNA samples and systems, including DNA vaults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Robert N. Grass, Wendelin Jan Stark
  • Patent number: 11485965
    Abstract: A data storage medium is disclosed comprising a two-dimensional (2D) support structure onto which artificially synthesized DNA molecules encoding digital information are placed and then covered with a protective layer. The 2D support structure is formed from a material such as metal foil, glass, or plastic. The 2D support structure may be functionalized with positively charged molecules to improve DNA adhesion. The DNA is protected from degradation by encapsulation in a protective layer of a non-reactive material such as silica or a thin layer of metal. A process for storing DNA on 2D support structures is also disclosed. Correlation of specific DNA molecules with a physical storage location on a 2D support structure provides geometric addressability for selective access to specific digital information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Karin Strauss, Bichlien Hoang Nguyen, Robert N. Grass, Alexander Xavier Christof Kohll, Weida Chen
  • Publication number: 20220326681
    Abstract: Methods and systems for sequence-controlled polymer encoding, decoding, and storage are provided. In various embodiments, input data is encoded into one or more sequence controlled polymer, wherein encoding the input data comprises applying an error-correction code. The one or more sequence-controlled polymer are synthesized. The synthesized one or more sequence-controlled polymer are encapsulated in a plurality of particles. The plurality of particles are embedded into a feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Robert N. Grass, Yaniv Ehrlich
  • Publication number: 20210194686
    Abstract: The invention is notably directed to a method for encoding information. This method first comprises generating an encryption key according to polymorphic features of nucleic acids from one or more entities. Next, information is encrypted based on the generated key. Finally, the encrypted information is encoded into synthetic DNA. Another aspect concerns a method for retrieving information. Consistently with the above encoding scheme, synthetic DNA in provided, which encodes encrypted information. Such information is read by sequencing the synthetic DNA and by decrypting the information read using a decryption key. The latter is generated according to polymorphic features of nucleic acids from one or more entities (e.g., from the legitimate individual(s) requesting access to information). Thus, the encoded information cannot be interpreted unless a suitable decryption key is available. The invention is further directed to related DNA samples and systems, including DNA vaults.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Robert N. GRASS, Wendelin Jan STARK
  • Publication number: 20210046475
    Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a metallic sample holder (1), in particular for capturing sample volumes for digital polymerase chain detection. The sample holder (1) comprises an array of indentations (10), wherein each indentation (11) is adapted to capture a maximal sample volume vmax, with vmax=2 nl, in particular with vmax=1 nl, in particular with vmax=0.8 nl. Each indentation (11) of the array (10) has an area cross-section section a, with a ?8*10?3 mm2, in particular with a ?5*10?3 mm2. A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for manufacturing the sample holder (1). A third aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus (200), in particular for polymerase chain reaction detection, adapted for receiving the metallic sample holder (1). A fourth aspect of the invention relates to the use of the sample holder (1) by means of the apparatus (200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Wendelin Jan Stark, Robert N. Grass, Michele Gregorini
  • Publication number: 20200140849
    Abstract: A data storage medium is disclosed comprising a two-dimensional (2D) support structure onto which artificially synthesized DNA molecules encoding digital information are placed and then covered with a protective layer. The 2D support structure is formed from a material such as metal foil, glass, or plastic. The 2D support structure may be functionalized with positively charged molecules to improve DNA adhesion. The DNA is protected from degradation by encapsulation in a protective layer of a non-reactive material such as silica or a thin layer of metal. A process for storing DNA on 2D support structures is also disclosed. Correlation of specific DNA molecules with a physical storage location on a 2D support structure provides geometric addressability for selective access to specific digital information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Karin STRAUSS, Bichlien Hoang NGUYEN, Robert N. GRASS, Alexander Xavier Christof KOHLL, Weida CHEN
  • Publication number: 20200109436
    Abstract: One or more enzymes are used to repair damage in synthetic DNA molecules that encode digital information. The enzymes are included in a repair mixture containing one or more of DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, T4 Endonuclease, Endonuclease IV, Endonuclease VIII, and uracil glycosylase. The repair mixture may also contain one or more of a buffering solution, oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and deoxyribose nucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs). The synthetic DNA molecules are incubated with the repair mixture for approximately four hours. Use of the repair solution allows recovery of the digital information from damaged DNA molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Robert N. Grass, Alexander Xavier Christof Kohll, Weida Chen
  • Patent number: 10577654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to core-shell particles comprising encapsulated nucleic acids—a sensing sequence and a control sequence; the invention further relates to the use of such particles as a sensing element; to methods for measuring a property of interest in a setting employing such particles; to measuring systems and analytical kits comprising such particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: ETH Zurich
    Inventors: Robert N. Grass, Wendelin Jan Stark, Gediminas Mikutis, Michela Puddu
  • Patent number: 10156028
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacturing gelatin fibers comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a two-phase composition as defined in the claims, (b) spinning the lower phase of said composition, (c) stretching the obtained fiber and (d) optional finishing steps; to new gelatin fibers and to the use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: ETH Zurich
    Inventors: Philipp R. Stoessel, Robert N. Grass, Wendelin Jan Stark
  • Publication number: 20180119220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to core-shell particles comprising encapsulated nucleic acids—a sensing sequence and a control sequence; the invention further relates to the use of such particles as a sensing element; to methods for measuring a property of interest in a setting employing such particles; to measuring systems and analytical kits comprising such particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Robert N. GRASS, Wendelin Jan STARK, Gediminas MIKUTIS, Michela PUDDU
  • Patent number: 9850531
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting and. recovering nucleic acids. This method may be applied in a verification method of products using molecular code systems or it may be applied in a storage method for nucleic acids. The invention further provides specific particles, their use in secure marking; products suitable for such verification method, to processes for manufacturing such products and methods for reading the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: ETH Zurich
    Inventors: Robert N. Grass, Wendelin Jan Stark
  • Publication number: 20160130729
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the manufacturing gelatin fibers comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a two-phase composition as defined in the claims, (b) spinning the lower phase of said composition, (c) stretching the obtained fiber and (d) optional finishing steps; to new gelatin fibers and to the use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Philipp R. Stoessel, Robert N. Grass, Wendelin Jan Stark
  • Publication number: 20150030545
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting and. recovering nucleic acids. This method may be applied in a verification method of products using molecular code systems or it may be applied in a storage method for nucleic acids. The invention further provides specific particles, their use in secure marking; products suitable for such verification method, to processes for manufacturing such products and methods for reading the information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Robert N. GRASS, Wendelin Jan STARK
  • Patent number: 8801936
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating a dispersed phase from a continuous phase comprising the steps of i) contacting said phases with an effective amount of nanoparticles; ii) applying a magnetic field gradient to the obtained system; iii) separating the obtained phases wherein said nanoparticles are of the core shell type, said core consists of a metal or alloy having soft magnetic properties and said shell contains a graphene layers which are optionally functionalized; to new nanoparticles and method of manufacturing such nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: ETH Zürich
    Inventors: Robert N. Grass, Wendelin Jan Stark
  • Patent number: 8282911
    Abstract: The present relates to the field of dental and bone surgery. In particular, the invention relates to fibrous pharmaceutical compositions; fibrous webs, yarns and woven fabrics of such pharmaceutical compositions; to implant material essentially consisting of fibrous pharmaceutical compositions; to the manufacturing and use of such fibers/webs/implant materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: ETH Zürich, Universitat Zürich
    Inventors: Jan W. Stark, Oliver Schneider, Stefan Loher, Tobias Brunner, Marc Simonet, Patrick Schmidlin, Robert N. Grass
  • Patent number: 8182573
    Abstract: The present invention relates the manufacture of metal powders, non-oxidic ceramic powders and reduced metal oxide powders using an improved flame spray pyrolysis (“FSP”) process. The invention further relates to an apparatus specifically adapted to said process, to powders/naoncomposites obtained by said process and to the use of said powders/nanocompsites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: ETH Zürich
    Inventors: Wendelin Stark, Robert N. Grass, Evagelos-Kimon Athanassiou