Patents by Inventor William B. Dunbar

William B. Dunbar 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: 20190250143
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for determining an improved estimate of the fractional abundance of target analytes (e.g., specific polynucleotide sequences) in a sample using a nanopore sensor having one or more nanopores-, e.g., by correcting errors inherent to identifying and correlating electrical signals to amounts of a target analyte or reference analyte in a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, William McKenna, William B. Dunbar
  • Patent number: 10344327
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, William B. Dunbar, Roger Jinteh Arrigo Chen, Noah A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20190120816
    Abstract: Described herein are nanopore devices as well as methods for assembling a nanopore device including one or more nanopores that can be used to detect molecules such as nucleic acids, amino acids (proteins), and the like. Specifically, a nanopore device includes an insulating layer that reduces electrical noise and thereby improves the sensing resolution of the one or more nanopores integrated within the nanopore device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Xu Liu, Yuning Zhang, William B. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20190055592
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for detecting a target DNA sequence from a sample that does not require sample purification or amplification. The method uses fragmentation, sequence-specific binding or ligation of probes, and payload molecules for selective detection of the target-sequence using a nanopore sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, William B. Dunbar, Daniel A. Heller, Tyler Shropshire
  • Patent number: 10208342
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: William B. Dunbar, Noah A. Wilson, Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, Kate Lieberman
  • Patent number: 10196688
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, William B. Dunbar, Roger Jinteh Arrigo Chen, Noah A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20180372713
    Abstract: Two pore devices and method for sequencing are described. A two pore device can include first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber, wherein the first chamber is in communication with the second chamber through a first nanopore, and wherein the second chamber is in communication with the third chamber through a second nanopore. The device can also include sensing circuitry for measuring electrical signals associated with a target at a nanopore, and control circuitry for controlling motion of the target at a nanopore. The device can include and/or switch between sensing and control modes for each of the first nanopore and the second nanopore. Sequencing methods can implement a two pore device in relation to translocation of a target through one or more nanopores, switching between sensing and control modes as appropriate, and measuring aspects of the target using in sensing modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Reto Stamm, Michael Summers, Eric Thorne, William B. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20180363035
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for detecting a target analyte suspected to be present in a sample with background molecules using a nanopore device. A plurality of probes for polymer scaffold identification or for target analyte binding and detection are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, Daniel A. Heller, William B. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20180335418
    Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting a target molecule are provided herein. The methods entail contacting a sample with a polymer scaffold, the polymer comprising at least one association site configured to associate with the target molecule. The sample is brought into contact with the polymer to determine whether the target molecule is present in the sample under conditions allowing the target molecule, if present, to associate with the polymer scaffold. The methods further involve loading the polymer into a device comprising a pore or channel that connects two volumes, configuring the device to pass the polymer through the pore or channel from one volume to the other volume, and determining, with a sensor configured to detect objects passing through the pore or channel, whether the target molecule is associated with the association site, and thereby detecting the presence or absence of the target molecule in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, Daniel Alexander Heller, William B. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20180328919
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a target molecule modified to facilitate detection in a nanopore deice. The present invention further relates to a method of detecting such a modified target molecule using a nanopore device. It also disclose a method of using such a modified target molecule for tracking and verification of pharmaceutical, chemical or biological products and for measuring various conditions of a sample comprising the modified target molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, Daniel A. Heller, William B. Dunbar, Tyler Shropshire
  • Patent number: 10081835
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, William B. Dunbar, Roger Jinteh Arrigo Chen, Noah A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10059988
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, Seico Benner, William B. Dunbar, Noah A. Wilson, Kathy Lieberman, Robin Abu-Shumays, Nicholas Hurt
  • Patent number: 10048245
    Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting a target molecule are provided herein. The methods entail contacting a sample with a polymer scaffold, the polymer comprising at least one association site configured to associate with the target molecule. The sample is brought into contact with the polymer to determine whether the target molecule is present in the sample under conditions allowing the target molecule, if present, to associate with the polymer scaffold. The methods further involve loading the polymer into a device comprising a pore or channel that connects two volumes, configuring the device to pass the polymer through the pore or channel from one volume to the other volume, and determining, with a sensor configured to detect objects passing through the pore or channel, whether the target molecule is associated with the association site, and thereby detecting the presence or absence of the target molecule in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Two Pore Guys, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, Daniel Alexander Heller, William B. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20180023115
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for detection of target polynucleotides in a mixed sample by amplification of the target polynucleotide and detection in a nanopore device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, Tyler Shropshire, William B. Dunbar, Daniel A. Heller, Hongyun Wang
  • Publication number: 20180023137
    Abstract: Devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore are provided. The devices and methods also determine (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: William B. Dunbar, Noah A. Wilson, Mark A. Akeson, David W. Deamer, Kate Lieberman
  • Publication number: 20180023114
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for electronic detection and/or quantification of enzymes or enzymatic activity in a sample using a pore system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, William B. Dunbar, Daniel A. Heller, Tyler Shropshire
  • Publication number: 20170074855
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for detecting a target analyte suspected to be present in a sample with background molecules using a nanopore device. A plurality of probes for polymer scaffold identification or for target analyte binding and detection are provided. Also provided are methods and compositions for storing data on a polymer scaffold, and accessing the data using a nanopore device and binding probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, Daniel A. Heller, William B. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20160266089
    Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting a target molecule or particle suspected to be present in a sample, comprising (a) contacting the sample with (i) a fusion molecule comprising a ligand capable of binding to the target molecule or particle and a binding domain, and (ii) a polymer scaffold comprising at least one binding motif to which the binding domain is capable of binding, under conditions that allow the target molecule or particle to bind to the ligand and the binding domain to bind to the binding motif; (b) loading the polymer into a device comprising a pore that separates an interior space of the device into two volumes, and configuring the device to pass the polymer through the pore from one volume to the other volume, wherein the device further comprises a sensor adjacent to the pore configured to identify objects passing through the pore; and (c) determining, with the sensor, whether the fusion molecule or particle bound to the binding motif is bound to the target molecule or particle, thereby detect
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, Daniel Alexander Heller, William B. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20160258939
    Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting a target molecule or particle suspected to be present in a sample, comprising (a) contacting the sample with (i) a fusion molecule comprising a ligand capable of binding to the target molecule or particle and a binding domain, and (ii) a polymer scaffold comprising at least one binding motif to which the binding domain is capable of binding, under conditions that allow the target molecule or particle to bind to the ligand and the binding domain to bind to the binding motif; (b) loading the polymer into a device comprising a pore comprising an opening in a structure that separates an interior space of the device into two volumes, and configuring the device to pass the polymer through the pore from one volume to the other volume, wherein the device further comprises a sensor configured to identify objects passing through the pore; and (c) determining, with the sensor, whether the fusion molecule or particle bound to the binding motif is bound to the target molecule or particle
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, Daniel Alexander Heller, William B. Dunbar
  • Publication number: 20160245802
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for detecting a target molecule or particle suspected to be present in a sample using a polymer scaffold, a fusion molecule, and a pore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Trevor J. Morin, William B. Dunbar, Daniel Alexander Heller