Patents by Inventor Thomas Henry Isaac
Thomas Henry Isaac 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: 11904319Abstract: A device for manipulating microdroplets using optically-mediated electrowetting comprising: a first composite wall comprising: a first transparent substrate; a first transparent conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 400-1000 nm on the conductor layer having a thickness of 300-1000 nm; and a first dielectric layer on the conductor layer having a thickness of 120-160 nm; a second composite wall comprised of: a second substrate; a second conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; and an A/C source to provide a voltage across the first and second composite walls connecting the first and second conductor layers; at least one source of electromagnetic radiation having an energy higher than the bandgap of the photoexcitable layer; and means for manipulating the points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: Thomas Henry Isaac, Pedro Cunha, Eoin Sheridan, David Love, Rebecca Palmer, Douglas J. Kelly, Gareth Podd
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Publication number: 20230364615Abstract: A device is provided which comprises: i) a chip comprising a first region for manipulating a plurality of microdroplets; ii) a microdroplet source for providing the microdroplets; iii) a channel having a distal end, which extends in a first direction into the chip, and a proximal end, which is in fluid communication with the microdroplet source; and iv) a pressure source for moving the microdroplets from the microdroplet source along the channel and into the first region of the chip. The pressure source is configured to enable the movement of the microdroplets from the microdroplet source into the proximal end of the channel at a first velocity. Furthermore, the distal end of the channel is fluted or blunted such that the microdroplets move from the distal end of the channel into the first region of the chip at a velocity which is lower than the first velocity.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2021Publication date: November 16, 2023Applicant: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: Evangelia-Nefeli ATHANASOPOULOU, William DEACON, Richard Jeremy INGHAM, Thomas Henry ISAAC, Maciej SOSNA, Andreas Michael WAEBER
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Publication number: 20230201836Abstract: A method for manipulating a microdroplet of a reaction medium in an immiscible carrier medium with a target molecule bound to a solid support for the purposes of effecting a chemical transformation is provided. It is characterised by the steps of (a) bringing the microdroplet into contact with the solid support under conditions where the microdroplet and solid support are caused to combine, (b) allowing the reaction medium to react with the target molecule and (c) thereafter exerting a force to induce the reaction medium to become detached from the solid support and reform a microdroplet in the carrier fluid. In one embodiment the solid support is a particle, bead or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Applicant: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: Cameron Alexander FRAYLING, Pedro CUNHA, Thomas Henry ISAAC
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Publication number: 20230182138Abstract: A device for dispensing one or more microdroplets is provided. The device comprising a microfluidic chip having an oEWOD structure configured to create an optically-mediated electrowetting (oEWOD) force, the microfluidic chip includes a first region and a second region, wherein said first and second regions are separated by a constriction; wherein the first region is adapted to receive and manipulate one or more microdroplets dispersed in a carrier fluid at first flow rate; and wherein the second region is configured to receive the microdroplet via the constriction from the first region and transfer said microdroplet to an outlet port of the microfluidic chip in a second flow rate; wherein the second region is configured to receive said microdroplet via the constriction from the first region by application of an optically -mediated electrowetting (oEWOD) force; and wherein the second flow rate in the second region is higher than the first flow rate in the first flow region.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: James BUSH, William Michael DEACON, Richard Jeremy INGHAM, Thomas Henry ISAAC, Gianmarco MASTROGIOVANNI, Andreas Michael WAEBER
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Publication number: 20230134003Abstract: A method for determining an interaction between a medicament and a cell type comprising an array of first microdroplets, each containing a cell type derived from a biological sample, an array of second microdroplets, each containing one or more medicaments at one or more predetermined concentrations, merging the array of first microdroplets and the array of second microdroplets to form an array of merged microdroplets, and monitoring the characteristics of one or more cells in the merged microdroplets using an optical detection system configured to detect an interaction between a cell type and a medicament.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2020Publication date: May 4, 2023Applicant: Lightcast Discovery LtdInventors: Cameron FRAYLING, Thomas Henry ISAAC, Andreas Michael WAEBER
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Publication number: 20230111707Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for manipulating and interrogating the contents of large numbers of microdroplets in parallel on a surface of a microfluidic chip. According to one aspect of the invention a method is provided for manipulating and inspecting microdroplets on a microfluidic chip by optically- mediated electrowetting (oEWOD), the method comprising forming, using a first optical assembly, a plurality of oEWOD traps on a surface of the chip and forming, using a second optical assembly, a second array of oEWOD traps on the surface of the chip, and making an adjustment to the first optical assembly whilst one or more of the microdroplets are held in place by second array of oEWOD traps. Apparatus comprising a microfluidic chip and first and second optical assemblies is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2021Publication date: April 13, 2023Applicant: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: James BUSH, Jasmin Kaur Chana CONTERIO, Pedro CUNHA, William Michael DEACON, Cameron FRAYLING, Thomas Henry ISAAC, Ibrahim Saygin TOPKAYA
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Publication number: 20230042172Abstract: A device for manipulating microdroplets using optically-mediated electrowetting comprising: a first composite wall comprising: a first transparent substrate; a first transparent conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 400-1000 nm on the conductor layer having a thickness of 300-1000 nm; and a first dielectric layer on the conductor layer having a thickness of 120-160 nm; a second composite wall comprised of: a second substrate; a second conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; and an A/C source to provide a voltage across the first and second composite walls connecting the first and second conductor layers; at least one source of electromagnetic radiation having an energy higher than the bandgap of the photoexcitable layer; and means for manipulating the points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: Thomas Henry ISAAC, Pedro CUNHA, Eoin SHERIDAN, David LOVE, Rebecca PALMER, Douglas J. KELLY, Gareth PODD
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Publication number: 20220274113Abstract: A device for manipulating microdroplets, the device comprising a microfluidic chip adapted to receive and manipulate microdroplets dispersed in carrier fluid flowing along pathways on a surface of the chip, wherein the microdroplets are manipulated using an optically-mediated electrowetting (oEWOD) force; characterised in that the surface of the chip comprises a coating structure configured to allow controlled attachment and/or detachment of adherent cells contained within the microdroplets by application of the oEWOD force.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2020Publication date: September 1, 2022Applicant: Lightcast Discovery Ltd.Inventors: Cameron FRAYLING, Thomas Henry ISAAC, Maciej SOSNA, Evangelia-Nefeli ATHANASOPOULOU
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Publication number: 20220219173Abstract: A device comprising: a first zone comprising an attachment site; a first pathway; a second pathway and a means for creating a second medium comprised of aqueous microdroplets in a carrier; a microdroplet manipulation zone comprising: a first composite wall comprised of a first transparent substrate; a first transparent conductor layer on the substrate; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation; and a first dielectric layer on the conductor layer; a second composite wall comprised of a second substrate; a second conductor layer on the substrate; and optionally a second dielectric layer on the conductor layer; an A/C source; a source of first electromagnetic radiation; means for manipulating the points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer; an detection zone disposed downstream of the microdroplet manipulation zone or integral therewith; and a fluorescence or Raman-scattering detection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Applicant: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: Thomas Henry ISAAC, Pedro CUNHA, Eoin SHERIDAN, David LOVE, Rebecca PALMER, Douglas J KELLY, Gareth PODD
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Publication number: 20220143607Abstract: A device for manipulating microdroplets comprises a microfluidic chip adapted to receive and manipulate microdroplets dispersed in a carrier fluid flowing along pathways therethrough characterised in that chip includes regions of differing or zero microdroplet fluid flow rates. Also disclosed is an electrowetting means of transporting emulsions and components of emulsions between the different flow regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2020Publication date: May 12, 2022Applicant: Lightcast Discovery LtdInventors: Richard Jeremy INGHAM, Jasmin Kaur Chana CONTERIO, Thomas Henry ISAAC
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Patent number: 11318472Abstract: A device comprising: a first zone comprising an attachment site; a first pathway; a second pathway and a means for creating a second medium comprised of aqueous microdroplets in a carrier; a microdroplet manipulation zone comprising: a first composite wall comprised of a first transparent substrate; a first transparent conductor layer on the substrate; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation; and a first dielectric layer on the conductor layer; a second composite wall comprised of a second substrate; a second conductor layer on the substrate; and optionally a second dielectric layer on the conductor layer; an A/C source; a source of first electromagnetic radiation; means for manipulating the points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer; an detection zone disposed downstream of the microdroplet manipulation zone or integral therewith; and a fluorescence or Raman-scattering detection system.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: Thomas Henry Isaac, Pedro Cunha, Eoin Sheridan, David Love, Rebecca Palmer, Douglas J. Kelly, Gareth Podd
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Publication number: 20220016631Abstract: A device for manipulating microdroplets using optically-mediated electrowetting comprising: a first composite wall comprising: a first transparent substrate; a first transparent conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 400-1000 nm on the conductor layer having a thickness of 300-1000 nm; and a first dielectric layer on the conductor layer having a thickness of 120-160 nm; a second composite wall comprised of: a second substrate; a second conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; and an A/C source to provide a voltage across the first and second composite walls connecting the first and second conductor layers; at least one source of electromagnetic radiation having an energy higher than the bandgap of the photoexcitable layer; and means for manipulating the points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2021Publication date: January 20, 2022Applicant: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: Thomas Henry ISAAC, Pedro CUNHA, Eoin SHERIDAN, David LOVE, Rebecca PALMER, Douglas J. KELLY, Gareth PODD
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Patent number: 11135588Abstract: A device for manipulating microdroplets using optically-mediated electrowetting comprising: a first composite wall comprising: a first transparent substrate; a first transparent conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 400-1000 nm on the conductor layer having a thickness of 300-1000 nm; and a first dielectric layer on the conductor layer having a thickness of 120-160 nm; a second composite wall comprised of: a second substrate; a second conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; and an A/C source to provide a voltage across the first and second composite walls connecting the first and second conductor layers; at least one source of electromagnetic radiation having an energy higher than the bandgap of the photoexcitable layer; and means for manipulating the points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: LIGHTCAST DISCOVERY LTDInventors: Thomas Henry Isaac, Pedro Cunha, Eoin Sheridan, David Love, Rebecca Palmer, Douglas J. Kelly, Gareth Podd
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Publication number: 20210146364Abstract: A method for manipulating a microdroplet of a reaction medium in an immiscible carrier medium with a target molecule bound to a solid support for the purposes of effecting a chemical transformation is provided. It is characterised by the steps of (a) bringing the microdroplet into contact with the solid support under conditions where the microdroplet and solid support are caused to combine, (b) allowing the reaction medium to react with the target molecule and (c) thereafter exerting a force to induce the reaction medium to become detached from the solid support and reform a microdroplet in the carrier fluid. In one embodiment the solid support is a particle, bead or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2018Publication date: May 20, 2021Applicant: BASE4 INNOVATION LTDInventors: Cameron Alexander FRAYLING, Pedro CUNHA, Thomas Henry ISAAC
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Publication number: 20200197941Abstract: A device comprising: a first zone comprising an attachment site; a first pathway; a second pathway and a means for creating a second medium comprised of aqueous microdroplets in a carrier; a microdroplet manipulation zone comprising: a first composite wall comprised of a first transparent substrate; a first transparent conductor layer on the substrate; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation; and a first dielectric layer on the conductor layer; a second composite wall comprised of a second substrate; a second conductor layer on the substrate; and optionally a second dielectric layer on the conductor layer; an A/C source; a source of first electromagnetic radiation; means for manipulating the points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer; an detection zone disposed downstream of the microdroplet manipulation zone or integral therewith; and a fluorescence or Raman-scattering detection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: BASE4 INNOVATION LTDInventors: Thomas Henry ISAAC, Pedro CUNHA, Eoin SHERIDAN, David LOVE, Rebecca PALMER, Douglas J. KELLY, Gareth PODD
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Patent number: 10690689Abstract: A microfluidic sequencing device in which a stream of microdroplets at least some of which contain a single nucleotide base are made to undergo reaction with a capture system to capture and detect an ordered sequence of single nucleotide bases generated by progressive pyrophosphorolysis.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignees: BASE4 INNOVATION LTD, UNITED KINGDOM RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONInventors: Cameron Alexander Frayling, Barnaby Balmforth, Bruno Flavio Nogueira de Sousa Soares, Thomas Henry Isaac, Boris Breiner, Alessandra Natale, Michele Amasio, Paul Dear
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Publication number: 20200147613Abstract: A device for manipulating microdroplets using optically-mediated electrowetting comprising: a first composite wall comprising: a first transparent substrate; a first transparent conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; a photoactive layer activated by electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range 400-1000 nm on the conductor layer having a thickness of 300-1000 nm; and a first dielectric layer on the conductor layer having a thickness of 120-160 nm; a second composite wall comprised of: a second substrate; a second conductor layer on the substrate having a thickness of 70 to 250 nm; and an A/C source to provide a voltage across the first and second composite walls connecting the first and second conductor layers; at least one source of electromagnetic radiation having an energy higher than the bandgap of the photoexcitable layer; and means for manipulating the points of impingement of the electromagnetic radiation on the photoactive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2018Publication date: May 14, 2020Applicant: BASE4 INNOVATION LTDInventors: Thomas Henry ISAAC, Pedro CUNHA, Eoin SHERIDAN, David LOVE, Rebecca PALMER, Douglas J. KELLY, Gareth PODD
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Patent number: 10551399Abstract: A method for determining the sequence of nucleotide bases in a polynucleotide analyte is provided. It is characterised by the steps of (1) generating a stream of single nucleotide bases from the analyte by pyrophosphorolysis; (2) producing captured molecules by reacting each single nucleotide base with a capture system labelled with detectable elements in an undetectable state; (3) releasing the detectable elements from each captured molecule in a detectable state and (4) detecting the detectable elements so released and determining the sequence of nucleotide bases therefrom. The method can be used advantageously in sequencers involving the use of microdroplets.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2017Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignees: BASE4 INNOVATION LTD, UNITED KINGDOM RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONInventors: Cameron Alexander Frayling, Barnaby Balmforth, Bruno Flavio Nogueira de Sousa Soares, Thomas Henry Isaac, Boris Breiner, Alessandra Natale, Michele Amasio, Paul Dear
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Patent number: 10525459Abstract: An apparatus for sequencing a nucleic acid by printing droplets at least some of which contain single nucleotides derived from the nucleic acid is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: BASE4 INNOVATION LTDInventors: Cameron Alexander Frayling, Thomas Henry Isaac
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Patent number: 10480024Abstract: A method for determining the sequence of nucleotide bases in a polynucleotide analyte is provided. It is characterised by the steps of (1) generating a stream of single nucleotide bases from the analyte; (2) producing captured molecules by reacting each single nucleotide base with a capture system; (3) amplifying at least part of the captured molecule to produce a plurality of amplicons characteristic of the single nucleotide base; (4) labelling the amplicons with a corresponding probe having a characteristic detectable element and (5) detecting a property characteristic of the detectable element.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignees: BASE4 INNOVATION LTD, UNITED KINGDOM RESEARCH AND INNOVATIONInventors: Cameron Alexander Frayling, Barnaby Balmforth, Bruno Flavio Nogueira de Sousa Soares, Thomas Henry Isaac, Boris Breiner, Alessandra Natale, Michele Amasio, Paul Dear