Patents by Inventor Rocky S. Tuan

Rocky S. Tuan 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: 20240093157
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices and systems for growing cellular material, and related methods of growing cellular material. In some cases, a system can include a well plate having a plurality of wells and a bioreactor situated in each well of the well plate. In some cases, a bioreactor can include an inner body which divides the bioreactor into several distinct chambers and facilitates the growth of a multi-tissue sample in the bioreactor. In some cases, a system can include a mechanical actuator situated to mechanically stress tissues grown in a bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rocky S. Tuan, Hang Lin, Thomas P. Lozito, Peter Alexander, Douglas Allen Nelson, Jr., Riccardo Gottardi
  • Patent number: 11845961
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices and systems for growing cellular material, and related methods of growing cellular material. In some cases, a system can include a well plate having a plurality of wells and a bioreactor situated in each well of the well plate. In some cases, a bioreactor can include an inner body which divides the bioreactor into several distinct chambers and facilitates the growth of a multi-tissue sample in the bioreactor. In some cases, a system can include a mechanical actuator situated to mechanically stress tissues grown in a bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rocky S. Tuan, Hang Lin, Thomas P. Lozito, Peter Alexander, Douglas Allen Nelson, Jr., Riccardo Gottardi
  • Publication number: 20210332098
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are Nsp-IL10 polypeptides comprising an Nsp polypeptide and an IL10 polypeptide. In some embodiments, Nsp-IL10 polypeptide is capable of activating an NGF signaling pathway, an IL10 signaling pathway, or both. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease comprising administering an Nsp-IL10 polypeptide. The methods include treating diseases associated with joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Yangzi Jiang, Rocky S. Tuan
  • Patent number: 11154858
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices and systems for growing cellular material, and related methods of growing cellular material. In some cases, a system can include a bioreactor system having one or more wells with at least one fluidic passageway coupled to each well to feed fluids to biological material being developed inside the well. In some cases, a bioreactor system can include a main body comprising the perimeter of the well and the fluidic passageways, a cover that forms the top of the well and provides optical access into the well, and a base that forms the bottom surface of the well. The cover and base can be attached and detached from the main body to seal the well closed and to physically access the contents of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Riccardo Gottardi, Peter Alexander, Bryan Romell, Rocky S. Tuan
  • Patent number: 11084857
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are Nsp-IL10 polypeptides comprising an Nsp polypeptide and an IL10 polypeptide. In some embodiments, Nsp-IL10 polypeptide is capable of activating an NGF signaling pathway, an IL10 signaling pathway, or both. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease comprising administering an Nsp-IL10 polypeptide. The methods include treating diseases associated with joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
    Inventors: Yangzi Jiang, Rocky S. Tuan
  • Publication number: 20210139859
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices and systems for growing cellular material, and related methods of growing cellular material. In some cases, a system can include a well plate having a plurality of wells and a bioreactor situated in each well of the well plate. In some cases, a bioreactor can include an inner body which divides the bioreactor into several distinct chambers and facilitates the growth of a multi-tissue sample in the bioreactor. In some cases, a system can include a mechanical actuator situated to mechanically stress tissues grown in a bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rocky S. Tuan, Hang Lin, Thomas P. Lozito, Peter Alexander, Douglas Allen Nelson, JR., Riccardo Gottardi
  • Patent number: 10900023
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices and systems for growing cellular material, and related methods of growing cellular material. In some cases, a system can include a well plate having a plurality of wells and a bioreactor situated in each well of the well plate. In some cases, a bioreactor can include an inner body which divides the bioreactor into several distinct chambers and facilitates the growth of a multi-tissue sample in the bioreactor. In some cases, a system can include a mechanical actuator situated to mechanically stress tissues grown in a bioreactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rocky S. Tuan, Hang Lin, Thomas P. Lozito, Peter Alexander, Douglas A. Nelson, Jr., Riccardo Gottardi
  • Patent number: 10864234
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming bone and/or cartilage in an avian subject. The methods include administering to the avian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising avian mesenchymal stem cells and a hydrogel that supports the differentiation of the avian mesenchymal stem cells into cells of an osteogenic and/or condrogenic lineage. In some embodiments, methods are disclosed for repairing a bone defect and preventing infection, such as that associated bone fracture, in an avian subject. The methods include administering locally to the bone defect a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of avian mesenchymal stem cells and a hydrogel, such as a methacrylated gelatin hydrogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Rocky S. Tuan
  • Publication number: 20200181219
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are Nsp-IL10 polypeptides comprising an Nsp polypeptide and an IL10 polypeptide. In some embodiments, Nsp-IL10 polypeptide is capable of activating an NGF signaling pathway, an IL10 signaling pathway, or both. Also disclosed are methods for treating a disease comprising administering an Nsp-IL10 polypeptide. The methods include treating diseases associated with joint inflammation, such as osteoarthritis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Yangzi Jiang, Rocky S. Tuan
  • Patent number: 10507187
    Abstract: A graft containing a scaffold that includes a matrix in which are positioned mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) has the capacity to substantially improve wound healing, including wounds resulting from injury to nerve, bone and vascular tissue. MPCs can be harvested from debrided muscle tissue following orthopaedic trauma. The traumatized muscle-derived progenitor cells are a readily available autologous cell source that can be utilized to effect or improve wound healing in a variety of therapeutic settings and vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: THE HENRY M. JACKSON FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF MILITARY MEDICINE, INC., THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY, U.S.A., THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
    Inventors: Wesley M. Jackson, Leon J. Nesti, Rocky S. Tuan
  • Publication number: 20180223329
    Abstract: Functionalized chondroitin sulfate, cross-linked polymer matrices comprising functionalized chondroitin sulfate, and methods of making and using the same are provided. Such polymer matrices may be used for tissue engineering, reconstructing cartilage, and the like. Kits are also provided for detection of cartilage degrading enzymes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Jennifer H. Elisseeff, Rocky S. Tuan, Qiang Li, Dongan Wang, Ronald Paul Silverman
  • Publication number: 20170333488
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming bone and/or cartilage in an avian subject. The methods include administering to the avian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising avian mesenchymal stem cells and a hydrogel that supports the differentiation of the avian mesenchymal stem cells into cells of an osteogenic and/or condrogenic lineage. In some embodiments, methods are disclosed for repairing a bone defect and preventing infection, such as that associated bone fracture, in an avian subject. The methods include administering locally to the bone defect a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of avian mesenchymal stem cells and a hydrogel, such as a methacrylated gelatin hydrogel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventor: Rocky S. TUAN
  • Publication number: 20160201037
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various bioreactor devices and systems for growing cellular material, and related methods of growing cellular material. In some cases, a system can include a well plate having a plurality of wells and a bioreactor situated in each well of the well plate. In some cases, a bioreactor can include an inner body which divides the bioreactor into several distinct chambers and facilitates the growth of a multi-tissue sample in the bioreactor. In some cases, a system can include a mechanical actuator situated to mechanically stress tissues grown in a bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Rocky S. TUAN, Hang LIN, Thomas P. LOZITO, Peter ALEXANDER, Douglas A. NELSON, JR., Riccardo GOTTARDI
  • Publication number: 20160106548
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a tissue engineered intervertebral disc comprising at least one inner layer and an exterior layer, wherein: the exterior layer comprises a nanofibrous polymer support comprising one or more polymer nanofibers; the at least one inner layer comprises a hydrogel composition comprising at least one or more hydrogel materials and/or one or more polymer nanofibers; and a plurality of cells which are dispersed throughout the tissue engineered intervertebral disc. Additionally, the instant invention is directed to methods of making such intervertebral discs and methods of treating intervertebral disc damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Wan-Ju Li, Leon J. Nesti, Rocky S. Tuan
  • Publication number: 20140288022
    Abstract: Functionalized chondroitin sulfate, cross-linked polymer matrices comprising functionalized chondroitin sulfate, and methods of making and using the same are provided. Such polymer matrices may be used for tissue engineering, reconstructing cartilage, and the like. Kits are also provided for detection of cartilage degrading enzymes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicants: The Johns Hopkins University, The United States, as represented by the Secretary Department of Health & Human Services, University of Maryland, Baltimore
    Inventors: Jennifer H. Elisseeff, Rocky S. Tuan, Qiang Li, Dongan Wang, Ronald Paul Silverman
  • Publication number: 20140227339
    Abstract: A graft containing a scaffold that includes a matrix in which are positioned mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) has the capacity to substantially improve wound healing, including wounds resulting from injury to nerve, bone and vascular tissue. MPCs can be harvested from debrided muscle tissue following orthopaedic trauma. The traumatized muscle-derived progenitor cells are a readily available autologous cell source that can be utilized to effect or improve wound healing in a variety of therapeutic settings and vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicants: THE HENRY M. JACKSON FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF MILITARY MEDICINE, INC., THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF, THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE ARMY, U.S.A.
    Inventors: Wesley M. Jackson, Leon J. Nesti, Rocky S. Tuan
  • Patent number: 8709793
    Abstract: A bioreactor device, and a method and system for fabricating tissues and growing cells and tissues in the bioreactor device, accommodates less than about 1 mL (or less than about 200 ?L) of local medium volume but sample sizes of about 100 ?L or greater. The bioreactor device includes a bioreactor chamber for containing a sample, where sample growth in response to mechanical, electrical, and biofactor stimulation is monitored through one or more optical ports. Embedded sensors are provided for measuring fluid pressure, pH, temperature, and oxygen tension. The bioreactor device can receive different types of mechanical loadings, including fluid shear, hydrostatic pressure, matrix compression, and clinorotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Juan M. Taboas, Rocky S. Tuan, Steven D. Hudson
  • Patent number: 8673333
    Abstract: Functionalized chondroitin sulfate, cross-linked polymer matrices comprising functionalized chondroitin sulfate, and methods of making and using the same are provided. Such polymer matrices may be used for tissue engineering, reconstructing cartilage, and the like. Kits are also provided for detection of cartilage degrading enzymes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignees: The Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, Baltimore, The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health & Human Services
    Inventors: Jennifer Elisseeff, Rocky S. Tuan, Qiang Li, Dongan Wang, Ronald Paul Silverman
  • Patent number: 8652458
    Abstract: A graft containing a scaffold that includes a matrix in which are positioned mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) has the capacity to substantially improve wound healing, including wounds resulting from injury to nerve, bone and vascular tissue. MPCs can be harvested from debrided muscle tissue following orthopaedic trauma. The traumatized muscle-derived progenitor cells are a readily available autologous cell source that can be utilized to effect or improve wound healing in a variety of therapeutic settings and vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Army, U.S.A., The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Wesley M. Jackson, Leon J. Nesti, Rocky S. Tuan
  • Publication number: 20120225039
    Abstract: Cartilage has been constructed using biodegradable electrospun polymeric scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes or adult mesenchymal stem cells. More particularly engineered cartilage has been prepared where the cartilage has a biodegradable and biocompatible nanofibrous polymer support prepared by electrospinning and a plurality of chondocytes or mesenchymal stem cells dispersed in the pores of the support. The tissue engineered cartilages of the invention possess compressive strength properties similar to natural cartilage. Methods of preparing engineered tissues, including tissue engineered cartilages, are provided in which an electrospun nanofibrous polymer support is provided, the support is treated with a cell solution and the polymer-cell mixture cultured in a rotating bioreactor to generate the cartilage. The invention provides for the use of the tissue engineered cartilages in the treatment of cartilage degenerative diseases, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary,Department of Health
    Inventors: Wan-Ju Li, Rocky S. Tuan