Patents by Inventor Tyson Shepherd

Tyson Shepherd 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: 11961008
    Abstract: Methods for controlled segregation of blocks of information encoded in the sequence of a biopolymer, such as nucleic acids and polypeptides, with rapid retrieval based on multiply addressing nanostructured data have been developed. In some embodiments, sequence controlled polymer memory objects include data-encoded biopolymers of any length or form encapsulated by natural or synthetic polymers and including one or more address tags. The sequence address labels are used to associate or select memory objects for sequencing read-out, enabling organization and access of distinct memory objects or subsets of memory objects using Boolean logic. In some embodiments, a memory object is a single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold strand encoding bit stream information that is folded into a nucleic acid nanostructure of arbitrary geometry, including one or more sequence address labels. Methods for controlled degradation of biopolymer-encoded blocks of information in the memory objects are also developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Mark Bathe, Sakul Ratanalert, Remi Veneziano, James Banal, Tyson Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20240076654
    Abstract: Methods for the automated template-free synthesis of user-defined sequence controlled biopolymers using microfluidic devices are described. The methods facilitate simultaneous synthesis of up to thousands of uniquely addressed biopolymers from the controlled movement and combination of regents as fluid droplets using microfluidic and EWOD-based systems. In some forms, biopolymers including nucleic acids, peptides, carbohydrates, and lipids are synthesized from step-wise assembly of building blocks based on a user-defined sequence of droplet movements. In some forms, the methods synthesize uniquely addressed nucleic acids of up to 1,000 nucleotides in length. Methods for adding, removing and changing barcodes on biopolymers are also provided. Biopolymers synthesized according to the methods, and libraries and databases thereof are also described. Modified biopolymers, including chemically modified nucleotides and biopolymers conjugated to other molecules are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: James Banal, Joseph Don Berleant, Tyson Shepherd, Mark Bathe
  • Patent number: 11851651
    Abstract: Methods for the automated template-free synthesis of user-defined sequence controlled biopolymers using microfluidic devices are described. The methods facilitate simultaneous synthesis of up to thousands of uniquely addressed biopolymers from the controlled movement and combination of regents as fluid droplets using microfluidic and EWOD-based systems. In some forms, biopolymers including nucleic acids, peptides, carbohydrates, and lipids are synthesized from step-wise assembly of building blocks based on a user-defined sequence of droplet movements. In some forms, the methods synthesize uniquely addressed nucleic acids of up to 1,000 nucleotides in length. Methods for adding, removing and changing barcodes on biopolymers are also provided. Biopolymers synthesized according to the methods, and libraries and databases thereof are also described. Modified biopolymers, including chemically modified nucleotides and biopolymers conjugated to other molecules are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: James Banal, Joseph Don Berleant, Tyson Shepherd, Mark Bathe
  • Publication number: 20230302423
    Abstract: Methods for designing scaffolded RNA nanostructures of desired shape are described. In some forms, the methods design nucleic acid “staple” sequences that hybridize to a user-defined RNA scaffold and fold it into the desired shape based on A-form helical nucleic acid geometry. In some forms, the methods implement asymmetry in nucleotide positions across two helices of an edge to account for A-form nucleic acid geometry. In preferred forms, crossover asymmetry is implemented in the staples. In other forms, crossover asymmetry is implemented in the RNA scaffold. In other forms, the methods do not introduce crossover asymmetry. Scaffolded RNA nanostructures produced according to the methods including messenger RNAs, replicating RNAs, functional RNAs and other RNA species within the scaffold, staples, or both scaffold and staples are provided. Modified nanostructures including chemically modified nucleotides are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Bathe, Tyson Shepherd, Molly Frances Parsons
  • Publication number: 20230086008
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cell populations and systems for detection of compounds in an environment. Specifically the disclosure relates to methods for generating reproducible genome-wide edited populations of microbes that display novel, defined, and reproducible phenotypes when exposed to one or more chemicals. In some applications, such phenotypes are read out by barcode amplicon and compared against population fingerprints. In other applications digital information is stored in such populations of microorganisms. The digital information can be retrieved from the microorganisms with Boolean logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventor: Tyson Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20230073209
    Abstract: Methods for controlled segregation of blocks of information encoded in the sequence of a biopolymer, such as nucleic acids and polypeptides, with rapid retrieval based on multiply addressing nanostructured data have been developed. In some embodiments, sequence controlled polymer memory objects include data-encoded biopolymers of any length or form encapsulated by natural or synthetic polymers and including one or more address tags. The sequence address labels are used to associate or select memory objects for sequencing read-out, enabling organization and access of distinct memory objects or subsets of memory objects using Boolean logic. In some embodiments, a memory object is a single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold strand encoding bit stream information that is folded into a nucleic acid nanostructure of arbitrary geometry, including one or more sequence address labels. Methods for controlled degradation of biopolymer-encoded blocks of information in the memory objects are also developed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Bathe, Sakul Ratanalert, Remi Veneziano, James Banal, Tyson Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20220380825
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to devices, instruments, and methods, including automated methods, for enhanced production and efficient screening of biosynthesized antibiotics. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for accelerated biosynthesis and screening on a single-cell scale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Tyson Shepherd, Steve Federowicz, Dan Held
  • Publication number: 20220383976
    Abstract: Methods for the top-down design of nucleic acid nanostructures of arbitrary geometry based on target shape of spherical or non-spherical topology are described. The methods facilitate 3D molecular programming of lipids, proteins, sugars, and RNAs based on a DNA scaffold of arbitrary 2D or 3D shape. Geometric objects are rendered as node-edge networks of parallel nucleic acid duplexes, and a nucleic acid scaffold routed throughout the network using a spanning tree formula. Nucleic acid nanostructures produced according to top-down design methods are also described. In some embodiments, the nanostructures include single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold, DX crossovers, and staple strands. In other embodiments, the nanostructures include single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold, PX crossovers and no staples. Modified nanostructures include chemically modified nucleotides and conjugated to other molecules are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Remi Veneziano, Sakul Ratanalert, Tyson Shepherd, Hyungmin Jun, Mark Bathe
  • Patent number: 11514331
    Abstract: Methods for controlled segregation of blocks of information encoded in the sequence of a biopolymer, such as nucleic acids and polypeptides, with rapid retrieval based on multiply addressing nanostructured data have been developed. In some embodiments, sequence controlled polymer memory objects include data-encoded biopolymers of any length or form encapsulated by natural or synthetic polymers and including one or more address tags. The sequence address labels are used to associate or select memory objects for sequencing read-out, enabling organization and access of distinct memory objects or subsets of memory objects using Boolean logic. In some embodiments, a memory object is a single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold strand encoding bit stream information that is folded into a nucleic acid nanostructure of arbitrary geometry, including one or more sequence address labels. Methods for controlled degradation of biopolymer-encoded blocks of information in the memory objects are also developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Mark Bathe, Sakul Ratanalert, Remi Veneziano, James Banal, Tyson Shepherd
  • Patent number: 11410746
    Abstract: Methods for the top-down design of nucleic acid nanostructures of arbitrary geometry based on target shape of spherical or non-spherical topology are described. The methods facilitate 3D molecular programming of lipids, proteins, sugars, and RNAs based on a DNA scaffold of arbitrary 2D or 3D shape. Geometric objects are rendered as node-edge networks of parallel nucleic acid duplexes, and a nucleic acid scaffold routed throughout the network using a spanning tree formula. Nucleic acid nanostructures produced according to top-down design methods are also described. In some embodiments, the nanostructures include single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold, DX crossovers, and staple strands. In other embodiments, the nanostructures include single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold, PX crossovers and no staples. Modified nanostructures include chemically modified nucleotides and conjugated to other molecules are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Remi Veneziano, Sakul Ratanalert, Tyson Shepherd, Hyungmin Jun, Mark Bathe
  • Publication number: 20220033829
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions, methods, modules and automated integrated instrumentation for using sets of short, curated peptide barcodes to track nucleic acid-guided edits and the translated proteins that result from the edits as well as to create in vitro pathways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Tyson Shepherd, Andrew Garst, Daniel Held, Eric Abbate
  • Publication number: 20210317479
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods involving nucleic acid assemblies that enclose and/or protect cargo. Disclosed are compositions that include a nucleic acid assembly comprising one or more nucleic acid molecules and cargo comprising two or more cargo molecules. The nucleic acid assembly can have physiochemical properties that: (i) enhance targeting of the composition to one or more types of cells, tissues, organs, or microenvironments relative to other types of cells, tissues, organs, or microenvironments in vivo; (ii) enhance stability and/or half-life of the composition in vivo; and/or (iii) reduce immunogenicity of the composition. The nucleic acid assembly and/or cargo can have features that enhance intracellular trafficking of nucleic acid assembly and/or its cargo. The cargo can be enclosed and/or protected by the nucleic acid assembly. Some or all of the cargo molecules in the composition can be present in a defined stoichiometric ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Feng Zhang, Tyson Shepherd, Rémi Veneziano, Mark Bathe, Ian Slaymaker, Bernd Zetsche
  • Patent number: 10940171
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for bacterial production of pure single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) composed of custom sequence and size have been developed. The methods enable scalability and bio-orthogonality in applications of scaffolded DNA origami, offering one-step purification of large quantities of pure ssDNA amendable for immediate folding of DNA nanoparticles. The methods produce pure ssDNA directly from bacteria. In some embodiments the E. coli helper strain M13cp combined with a phagemid carrying only an f1-origin allows for, without the need for additional purification from contaminating dsDNA. This system is useful for generalized circular ssDNA synthesis, and here is applied to the assembly of DNA nanoparticles folded both in vitro and direct from phage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Tyson Shepherd, Rebecca Du, Mark Bathe
  • Publication number: 20200327421
    Abstract: Methods for controlled segregation of blocks of information encoded in the sequence of a biopolymer, such as nucleic acids and polypeptides, with rapid retrieval based on multiply addressing nanostructured data have been developed. In some embodiments, sequence controlled polymer memory objects include data-encoded biopolymers of any length or form encapsulated by natural or synthetic polymers and including one or more address tags. The sequence address labels are used to associate or select memory objects for sequencing read-out, enabling organization and access of distinct memory objects or subsets of memory objects using Boolean logic. In some embodiments, a memory object is a single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold strand encoding bit stream information that is folded into a nucleic acid nanostructure of arbitrary geometry, including one or more sequence address labels. Methods for controlled degradation of biopolymer-encoded blocks of information in the memory objects are also developed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Bathe, Sakul Ratanalert, Remi Veneziano, James Banal, Tyson Shepherd
  • Publication number: 20190156911
    Abstract: Methods for the top-down design of nucleic acid nanostructures of arbitrary geometry based on target shape of spherical or non-spherical topology are described. The methods facilitate 3D molecular programming of lipids, proteins, sugars, and RNAs based on a DNA scaffold of arbitrary 2D or 3D shape. Geometric objects are rendered as node-edge networks of parallel nucleic acid duplexes, and a nucleic acid scaffold routed throughout the network using a spanning tree formula. Nucleic acid nanostructures produced according to top-down design methods are also described. In some embodiments, the nanostructures include single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold, DX crossovers, and staple strands. In other embodiments, the nanostructures include single-stranded nucleic acid scaffold, PX crossovers and no staples. Modified nanostructures include chemically modified nucleotides and conjugated to other molecules are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Remi Veneziano, Sakul Ratanalert, Tyson Shepherd, Hyungmin Jun, Mark Bathe
  • Publication number: 20190142882
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for bacterial production of pure single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) composed of custom sequence and size have been developed. The methods enable scalability and bio-orthogonality in applications of scaffolded DNA origami, offering one-step purification of large quantities of pure ssDNA amendable for immediate folding of DNA nanoparticles. The methods produce pure ssDNA directly from bacteria. In some embodiments the E. coli helper strain M13cp combined with a phagemid carrying only an f1 -origin allows for, without the need for additional purification from contaminating dsDNA. This system is useful for generalized circular ssDNA synthesis, and here is applied to the assembly of DNA nanoparticles folded both in vitro and direct from phage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Tyson Shepherd, Rebecca Du, Mark Bathe
  • Publication number: 20180362969
    Abstract: Methods for the automated template-free synthesis of user-defined sequence controlled biopolymers using microfluidic devices are described. The methods facilitate simultaneous synthesis of up to thousands of uniquely addressed biopolymers from the controlled movement and combination of regents as fluid droplets using microfluidic and EWOD-based systems. In some forms, biopolymers including nucleic acids, peptides, carbohydrates, and lipids are synthesized from step-wise assembly of building blocks based on a user-defined sequence of droplet movements. In some forms, the methods synthesize uniquely addressed nucleic acids of up to 1,000 nucleotides in length. Methods for adding, removing and changing barcodes on biopolymers are also provided. Biopolymers synthesized according to the methods, and libraries and databases thereof are also described. Modified biopolymers, including chemically modified nucleotides and biopolymers conjugated to other molecules are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: James Banal, Joseph Don Berleant, Tyson Shepherd, Mark Bathe