Zn, Cd, Hg, Sc, Y, Or Actinides, Or Lanthanides Patents (Class 436/81)
  • Patent number: 11796470
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for detecting a prostate cancer related biomarker, including contacting the diluted sample with a modulating agent selected from a group consisting of sodium; 3-hydroxy-4-[(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)diazenyl]naphthalene-1-sulfonate, sodium; 3-hydroxy-4-[(1-hydroxynaphthalen-2-yl)diazenyl]-7-nitronaphthalene-1-sulfonate, triisopropylsilane, and iron(III) chloride, and a luminescent label to obtain a measurement sample. Then, the measurement sample is incubated for a period of time and excited thereafter. Time-resolved luminescence signal of the label in the measurement sample is measured, leading to an increased likelihood of prostate cancer of the human subject if the luminescence signal is at least 50% higher than for a control sample from a human subject without prostate cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Aqsens Health Oy
    Inventors: Janne Kulpakko, Jouko Vepsäläinen, Susanna Paavilainen
  • Patent number: 11771476
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cannulated body extending along an axis and having a first working end spaced along the axis from a second working end. The surgical instrument may be used with a fenestrated screw assembly, a delivery unit, and an alignment guide wire. The first working end of the surgical instrument is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction about the axis and the second working end is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction generally transverse to the axis. The first working end may be used to rotate the delivery unit to thereby removably attach the delivery unit to the fenestrated screw assembly. The surgical instrument may be repositioned to engage the second working end with the proximal end of the delivery unit to maintain the rotational position of the delivery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Stryker European Operations Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Steven F. Krause, Abram Reitblat
  • Patent number: 10955318
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining and classifying aircraft air contaminants using contaminant analyzers comprising a contaminant collector comprising a membrane and a heater vaporizing captured contaminants; a gravimetric sensor generating a proportionate response when contaminant mass is added to or removed from the sensor, the sensor arranged to receive contaminants desorbed from the membrane when the membrane is heated; a frequency measurement device, measuring the response generated by the sensor as the contaminant is added to and removed from the sensor; a computer readable medium bearing a contaminant recognition program and calibration data; a processor executing the recognition program, the program including a module classifying contaminants by type, and a module using the calibration data for comparison with magnitude of the response generated by the sensor to calculate contaminant concentration; and, a pump, generating flow of aircraft air through the contaminant collector before and after the m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Mlcak, Aidan Kodas, Patrick Gwynne, Justin Abramson
  • Patent number: 10620122
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for quantitative detection of mercury vapor in gas samples using a film of nanoparticles. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of an amalgam nanoparticle is sensitive to adsorbed mercury mass. The equilibrium mass of mercury on a gold nanoparticle is a function of the surrounding vapor concentration and the temperature of the gold. A device that introduces a temperature-controlled gold nanoparticle film to a controlled flow of sample gas responds predictably to a given mercury vapor concentration when optically probed in situ. Controlling the temperature of the film allows for control of adsorption and desorption rates. Equilibrium plasmonic mercury detection, described herein, removes the cycling necessary for many gold-based mercury analyses. Methods are given for the operation and analysis of the temperature-stabilized gold nanoparticle mercury sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Picoyune, LLC
    Inventors: Jay James, Jeffrey Scott Crosby
  • Patent number: 9366607
    Abstract: In a first mode, a monitoring system inputs humidified gas through at least a portion of a conduit. At least a portion of the water in the humidified gas adheres to the inner surface of the conduit, inhibiting contaminants in the gas sample from adhering to the inner surface. The water in the humidified gas may also push any contaminants adhered to the surface of the sample line back out the sample line. In a second mode, after previously passing the humidified gas through the conduit, the monitoring system controls a flow of a gas sample including the contaminants through the conduit to a gas analyzer. The one or more layer of water on the inner surface of the conduit prevents or reduces a buildup of undesirable contaminants on an inner surface of a conduit that conveys gas samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Thermo Environmental Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Yonquan Li, Daniel E. Glenn, K. Stephen Johnson, Jr., Dieter Kita
  • Patent number: 9139550
    Abstract: A fluorescent dye or fluorophore capable of forming complexes with mercury comprises 6,8-difluoro-7-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxylate amide, wherein the amide is formed by reacting the succinimidyl ester (Pacific Blue™) with an amino acid containing a thiol group, such as cysteine or glutathione. Mercury complexes of the fluorophore fluoresce when excited by a UV or violet laser diode, and the detected intensity can be calibrated to quantify the concentration of mercury in a sample reacted with the fluorophore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Los Gatos Research
    Inventors: Hong Jiao, Hannah Catterall
  • Patent number: 9128068
    Abstract: Sample conditioning systems and methods especially useful for converting non-elemental forms of mercury to elemental form. The systems involve a reactor having a heater, with the reactor configured such that a heated sample is flowed through a calcareous sorbent during heating and then cooled in the presence of a solid metal that is more chemically active or less noble than mercury. The methods may be used as a part of an emissions monitoring process to insure compliance with emission standards and to precisely gage the amount of abatement needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Scott Risser
  • Publication number: 20150148631
    Abstract: 2,5-Bis(benzoxazol-2?-yl)benzene-1,4-diol derivatives (Zinhbo derivatives) are used to detect zinc ions and have particular application in vivo and in vitro. Zinhbo derivatives upon excitation give a florescence response emission that can be used to determine the presence of zinc cation in solution. Zinhbo derivatives complexed with zinc cations upon excitation can produce a florescence response emission in the visible and near infrared range. Zinhbo derivatives complexed with zinc cations exhibit a large stoke shift between the excitation and emission wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Yi Pang, Yongqian Xu
  • Patent number: 9012239
    Abstract: Element tags based on novel metal-polymer conjugates are provided for elemental analysis of analytes, including ICP-MS. A polymer backbone is functionalized to irreversibly bind metals that are selected prior to use by the user. The polymer is further functionalized to attach a linker which allows for attachment to antibodies or other affinity reagents. The polymer format allows attachment of many copies of a given isotope, which linearly improves sensitivity. The metal-polymer conjugate tags enable multiplexed assay in two formats: bulk assay, where the average biomarker distribution in the sample is diagnostic, and single cell format to distinguish a rare (for example a diseased) cell in a complex sample (for example, blood).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fluidigm Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell A. Winnik, Mark Nitz, Vladimir Baranov, Xudong Lou
  • Publication number: 20150104792
    Abstract: A fluorimetric system, apparatus and method are disclosed to measure an analyte concentration in a sample. A sensor reagent housing is also disclosed which comprises a channel and a porous medium having an analysis chemistry reagent, such as a nucleic acid analysis chemistry reagent. The apparatus and system are portable for field use, with an apparatus housing having a size adapted to fit into a user's hand. An apparatus also includes a sensing chamber and cover, a user interface, a light source; a photomultiplier tube, an amplifier, an A/D converter, a memory, and a processor. In various embodiments, the processor performs a data fitting, determines a sample reaction rate parameter, and determines the analyte concentration from a comparison of the sample reaction rate parameter with stored calibration data. The processor may also generate the calibration data and site-specific offset factors, and modify the calibration data using an offset factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Debapriya Mazumdar, David G. Kellner
  • Patent number: 9005983
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor having a solid electrically conductive substrate and a compound immobilized thereon which has binding affinity for an analyte species to be detected and also displays electrochemical behavior which is modified upon binding of that analyte species, so that binding of an analyte species can be detected by measuring electrochemical properties, such as by voltammetry. Desirably the immobilized compound contains both a first moiety with binding affinity for the analyte and a separate second moiety which is a redox system whose electrochemical oxidation/reduction properties become modified when the first moiety binds the analyte. The analyte binding moiety may be a diol or polyol and preferably is a sugar. The electrochemical sensor finds use in methods of analyzing reservoir and process fluids, particularly at a subterranean location. The electrochemical sensor may be a component of a downhole tool, adapted for deployment downhole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kay McGuinness, Nathan Lawrence, Andrew Meredith
  • Patent number: 8999653
    Abstract: The instant invention provides for methods for detecting the internalization of a transmembrane protein of interest expressed at the surface of a cell. More specifically, the methods involve (a) labelling the protein of interest with a fluorescent metal complex, the lifetime of which is greater than 0.1 ms, (b) adding to the reaction medium a composition capable of causing the internalization of the protein of interest, (c) adding to the reaction medium (1) a modulating agent which is a fluorescent FRET acceptor compound compatible with the fluorescent metal complex, the final concentration of which in the reaction medium is greater than 10?7M; or (2) a reducing agent, the redox potential of which is less than +0.1 V and preferably between 0.25 and 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Cis-Bio International
    Inventors: Jurriaan Zwier, Robert Poole, Herve Ansanay, Michel Fink, Eric Trinquet
  • Patent number: 8993246
    Abstract: A bioassay employing a first group including a lanthanide ion carrier chelate and a first recognition element, a second group including an antenna ligand and a second recognition element; where the lanthanide ion carrier chelate binds strongly to lanthanide, or the lanthanide ion carrier chelate binds moderately to lanthanide, and an agent complexing the lanthanide ion is additionally employed at a concentration of at least 1 pmol/l. The antenna ligand binds weakly to the lanthanide ion. Analyte recognition by the first recognition element and by the second recognition element results in either chelate complementation and increased fluorescence, or chelate discomplementation and decreased fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Oy Arctic Partners AB
    Inventors: Tero Soukka, Urpo Lamminmaki
  • Patent number: 8975082
    Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: University of Kansas
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Stowell Laurence, Anthony Andrew Vartia, Mary Elizabeth Krause
  • Patent number: 8933210
    Abstract: A general methodology to design label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors using a vacant site approach and an abasic site approach is described. In one example, a method for designing label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors (e.g., those that include a DNAzyme, aptamer or aptazyme) that have a tunable dynamic range through the introduction of an abasic site (e.g., dSpacer) or a vacant site into the functional nucleic acids. Also provided is a general method for designing label-free fluorescent aptamer sensors based on the regulation of malachite green (MG) fluorescence. A general method for designing label-free fluorescent catalytic and molecular beacons (CAMBs) is also provided. The methods demonstrated here can be used to design many other label-free fluorescent sensors to detect a wide range of analytes. Sensors and methods of using the disclosed sensors are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Yi Lu, Yu Xiang
  • Publication number: 20150004711
    Abstract: The technology described herein relates to determining the zinc score in a sample obtained from a subject, e.g. for treating a subject for prostate cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Anna Moore, Zdravka Medarova
  • Patent number: 8828731
    Abstract: A method for facilitating removal of mercury from a primary fluid stream of interest which is contaminated with organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species. The stream is analyzed to establish the relative content of the organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species present therein by forming a diverted side stream from the primary stream, and passing the side stream successively through three in series filter stages, the first captures organically bound mercury, the second captures elemental mercury, and the third captures ionic mercury. The side stream flow through the filter stages is continued for a predetermined period, and upon conclusion of the period the quantity of mercury collected at each of the filtration stages is determined. This data is then utilized to determine the capacity of the three different filtration stages required to reduce the mercury content in the mam stream to a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: MyCelx Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 8802447
    Abstract: The present invention provides materials, devices, and methods related to determination of an analyte. In some embodiments, an analyte may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of a luminescent material (e.g., particle) upon exposure to an analyte. The present invention may be particularly advantageous in that some embodiments may comprise an emissive species useful as an internal reference standard. Methods of the invention may also be useful in the quantitative determination of an analyte. In some cases, the present invention may allow for selective determination of an analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Timothy M. Swager, Jessica H. Liao
  • Patent number: 8765480
    Abstract: A method for recovering a metal, capable of recovering a metal easily without requiring the use of an organic medium, is provided. A first complex between a first chelating agent and a metal present in a sample is formed in a first mixture prepared by mixing the first chelating agent and the sample. Then, the first complex is recovered from the first mixture, and a second complex between the metal derived from the first complex and a second chelating agent is formed in a second mixture prepared by mixing the first complex and an aqueous solution of the second chelating agent. The aqueous solution is under the pH conditions where the first chelating agent can be insoluble in the aqueous solution. Then, a liquid fraction containing the second complex is recovered from the second mixture. Thus, the metal can be recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuka Shimomura
  • Patent number: 8748192
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fluorescence dual sensor comprising a probe for sensing pH, a probe for sensing oxygen, an intra-reference probe and a matrix. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing an optical fluorescence dual sensor and methods of using them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents, a body corporate of the State of Arizona, acting for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Yanqing Tian, Weiwen Zhang, Deirdre Meldrum, Hongguang Lu, Yuguang Jin, Mark Holl
  • Patent number: 8722415
    Abstract: This invention provides methods of using modified magnetic microspheres to extract target ions from a sample in order to detect their presence in a microfluidic environment. In one or more embodiments, the microspheres are modified with molecules on the surface that allow the target ions in the sample to form complexes with specific ligand molecules on the microsphere surface. In one or more embodiments, the microspheres are modified with molecules that sequester the target ions from the sample, but specific ligand molecules in solution subsequently re-extract the target ions from the microspheres into the solution, where the complexes form independent of the microsphere surface. Once the complexes form, they are exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the target ion to emit a luminescent signal pattern. Detection of the luminescent signal pattern allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Ilya A. Shkrob, Michael D. Kaminski
  • Publication number: 20140106461
    Abstract: Mercury monitoring system and methods for detecting an amount of total mercury in a liquid sample include a sample inlet for receiving a liquid sample, a heating chamber in direct fluid communication with the sample inlet, an oxidation chamber for oxidizing the evaporated sample, a mercury amalgamator for trapping elemental mercury, and may include a mercury detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Brooks Rand Inc
    Inventors: Steve T. Gunther, Joel Creswell, Colin Davies
  • Patent number: 8697388
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for detection of certain heavy metals using bacterial whole cell biosensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Nathan J. Hillson, Lucille Shapiro, Ping Hu, Gary L. Andersen
  • Patent number: 8679849
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a method and a device for the detection of heavy metal ions in water. The method includes: providing a detection material, wherein the detection material includes a hydrophilic layer which is at least partially covered by a hydrophobic layer formed from a long-chain compound selected from the group consisting of a long-chain thiol, a long-chain fatty acid and combinations thereof, and wherein a detection area is an area covered by the hydrophobic layer, and the detection area has a surface having an initial contact angle with water of more than or equal to about 120°; contacting the detection area with an aqueous solution sample; determining whether the surface of the detection area has a hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity change after contact with the aqueous solution sample; and deciding whether heavy metal ions exist in the aqueous solution sample according to the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaoke Zhang, Hisashi Kajiura, Yongming Li
  • Publication number: 20140080168
    Abstract: 2,5-Bis(benzoxazol-2?-yl)benzene-1,4-diol derivatives (Zinhbo derivatives) are used to detect zinc ions and have particular application in vivo and in vitro. Zinhbo derivatives upon excitation give a florescence response emission that can be used to determine the presence of zinc cation in solution. Zinhbo derivatives complexed with zinc cations upon excitation can produce a florescence response emission in the visible and near infrared range. Zinhbo derivatives complexed with zinc cations exhibit a large stoke shift between the excitation and emission wavelengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: The University of Akron
    Inventors: Yi Pang, Yongqian Xu
  • Patent number: 8652849
    Abstract: This invention relates to a composite material that comprises a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and, located in the pores of the support member, and filling the pores of the support member, a macroporous cross-linked gel. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the composite material described above, and to its use. The composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Natrix Separations Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Childs, Carlos Filipe, Raja Ghosh, Alicja M. Mika, Jinsheng Zhou, Elena N. Komkova, Marcus Y. Kim, Tapan K. Dey
  • Patent number: 8636954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to calibration slides for fluorescence detection instruments and processing method of making them. The aim of this invention is to disclose calibration slides with high photostability and long lifetime for fluorescence detection instruments. The calibration slides are fabricated by patterning calibration spot arrays of modified inorganic phosphors on the glass slide. The process for producing a calibration slide comprises the following procedure: 1) Dispersing the inorganic phosphors of rare-earth doped complex in water; 2) Patterning the array of the above suspension on the glass slide. The calibration slides in the present invention employ a very stable fluorescing material that is insensitive to photobleaching, has long lifetime and stability under mild storage condition. The calibration slides in the present invention can be used to calibrate and test for some fluorescence instruments, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: CapitalBio Corporation, Tsinghua University
    Inventors: Yu Ge, Wenjun Yang, Shuying Zhao, Lianghong Guo, Jing Cheng
  • Patent number: 8574914
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for using a zinc sensor compound to detect a disease associated with the disruption of zinc homeostasis, such as prostate cancer. The zinc sensor compound comprises an optical reporter having two or more recognition units where each of the recognition units is capable of associating with at least one zinc ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lippard, Xiao-an Zhang, Zdravka Medarova, Anna Moore
  • Publication number: 20130230927
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of screening a human subject for the presence of or risk of developing, an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) comprising determining the amount of at least one porphyrin from a set of porphyrin biomarkers for ASD in a biological sample obtained from the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicants: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON THROUGH ITS CENTER FOR COMMERCIALIZATION
    Inventors: James Woods, Diana Echeverria, Nicholas J. Heyer
  • Patent number: 8501484
    Abstract: Crystals of a solvated cerium(III) halide solvate complex resulted from a process of forming a paste of a cerium(III) halide in an ionic liquid, adding a solvent to the paste, removing any undissolved solid, and then cooling the liquid phase. Diffusing a solvent vapor into the liquid phase also resulted in crystals of a solvated cerium(III) halide complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Kalyan V. Vasudevan, Nickolaus A. Smith, John C. Gordon, Edward A. McKigney, Ross E. Muenchausen
  • Patent number: 8491858
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides systems and methods for removing carbon dioxide and/or additional components of waste gas streams, comprising contacting the waste gas stream with an aqueous solution, removing carbon dioxide and/or additional components from the waste gas stream, and containing the carbon dioxide and/or additional components, in one form or another, in a composition. In some embodiments, the composition is a precipitation material comprising carbonates, bicarbonates, or carbonates and bicarbonates. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises carbonate and/or bicarbonate co-products resulting from co-processing SOx, NOx, particulate matter, and/or certain metals. Additional waste streams such as liquid, solid, or multiphasic waste streams may be processed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: William Randall Seeker, Brent Constantz, Vinod Khosla
  • Patent number: 8465985
    Abstract: A fluorescent probe comprising a compound represented as (Fluorophore A)-S-(Fluorophore B) (Fluorophore A and Fluorophore B are fluorophores which emit fluorescence when they are irradiated with an excitation light of a wavelength of 600 to 950 nm, Fluorophore A has a property that it shows change of fluorescence characteristic before and after a specific reaction with an substance to be measured, and S represents a spacer which connects Fluorophore A and Fluorophore B), which compound shows substantial change in efficiency of fluorescence resonance energy transfer between Fluorophore A and Fluorophore B before and after the specific reaction with the objective substance, wherein Fluorophore A is represented by the following formula (AI): which uses and shows an excitation light wavelength/fluorescence wavelength in the near infrared region, lights of which region show superior biological tissue permeability, and enables measurement of an substance to be measured by the ratio method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Tokyo
    Inventors: Tetsuo Nagano, Hirotatsu Kojima, Sakiko Aizawa, Kazuki Kiyose
  • Publication number: 20130116138
    Abstract: Described herein are small peptide domains and consensus sequences that bind small target molecules of industrial importance, e.g., metals such as nickel, ? carotene, and isoflavones such as genistein. Also described are fusion proteins containing such binding domains fused to proteins or to peptide domains like GST or GBD that bind other ligands and can be used to immobilize the target binding domain on a support. One class of fusion proteins that is useful in industrial settings are fusions that contain concatemers of target binding domains, which increases the binding equivalents per molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Binder, Aragula Gururaj Rao, Yasufumi Yamamoto, Paul Hanke
  • Patent number: 8431406
    Abstract: Terpyridine-substituted compounds, compositions and/or related methods, as can be used to selectively detect a wide range of analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: University of Massachusetts
    Inventors: Gregory N. Tew, Raja Shunmugam
  • Publication number: 20130071936
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an indicator for targeting zinc(II) ions in a composition, e.g., a biological sample such as for targeting mitochondrial zinc (II) ions. The present invention is directed to a method for preparing an indicator that targets mitochondrial zinc(II), and a method of measuring the concentration of mitochondrial zinc(II) ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: The Florida State University Research Foundation,
  • Publication number: 20130059392
    Abstract: Pyridine-containing polyenes and their applications as metal ion sensors. These polyenes are practically nonluminescent in the solution state but become highly emissive as nanoparticle suspensions in aqueous solutions or thin films in the solid state, due to aggregation-induced emission (AIE). The nanoaggregates of these compounds can work as “turn-off” fluorescent chemosensors for metal ions and display different fluorescence responses to various metal ions. For example, a characteristic red shift in the emission spectra is observed with a terpyridine-containing luminogen in the presence of Zn2+. However, the terpyridine-containing luminogen displays a magenta color upon selectively binding with Fe2+. This allows easy identification of both Zn2+ and Fe2+ ions in aqueous media. The function of the polyenes can be easily tuned by altering the substituent groups. Due to their AIE properties, these polyenes can be used in aqueous solutions and in solid substrates for metal sensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Benzhong TANG, Yuning HONG, Wai Tung LEUNG
  • Patent number: 8389298
    Abstract: Methods using chemiluminescent label compounds and chemiluminescent labeled conjugates are provided. The compounds comprise an acridan ring bearing an exocyclic ketene dithioacetal group and further contain a labeling substituent which permits attachment to compounds of interest. The novel chemiluminescent compounds and labeled conjugates are convenient to prepare, are highly stable, and generate chemiluminescence rapidly on demand. The compounds and conjugates are useful in assays of an analyte in a sample and in assays employing labeled specific binding pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Lumigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Hashem Akhavan-Tafti, Renuka De Silva, Wenhua Xie
  • Patent number: 8377698
    Abstract: Disclosed are a novel 8-hydroxyquinoline acetamide compound, an 8-hydroxyquinoline thioamide and use thereof. More specifically, disclosed are a novel 8-hydroxyquinoline thioamide compound suitable for use as a selective chemodosimeter that shows considerably high detection sensitivity to mercury ions, an 8-hydroxyquinoline acetamide compound as an intermediate thereof, preparation thereof, and a chemodosimeter for mercury ion-selective detection, the chemodosimeter comprising the 8-hydroxyquinoline thioamide compound. The compounds as disclosed herein exhibit considerably effective fluorescence specificity of an off-on type, detect a micromole of mercury ions from chemical and biological aqueous systems, and allow 100% desulfurization within 5 minutes, thus being considerably useful in the chemical industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Seoul National University Industry Foundation, Chung-Ang University Inudstry-Academy Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Suk Kyu Chang, Ki Cheol Song, Jun Soo Kim, Sang Mi Park, Sang Doo Ahn, Jae Young Sung
  • Publication number: 20130040393
    Abstract: A fluorescent dye or fluorophore capable of forming complexes with mercury comprises 6,8-difluoro-7-hydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxylate amide, wherein the amide is formed by reacting the succinimidyl ester (Pacific Blue™) with an amino acid containing a thiol group, such as cysteine or glutathione. Mercury complexes of the fluorophore fluoresce when excited by a UV or violet laser diode, and the detected intensity can be calibrated to quantify the concentration of mercury in a sample reacted with the fluorophore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: LOS GATOS RESEARCH
    Inventors: Hong Jiao, Hannah Catterall
  • Patent number: 8367078
    Abstract: The invention relates to kinase inhibitor compounds and methods of identifying and using them. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating disorders, especially cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter P. Sayeski, György M. Keserü
  • Patent number: 8367416
    Abstract: A nucleic acid enzyme comprises an oligonucleotide containing thymine bases. The nucleic acid enzyme is dependent on both Hg2+and a second ion as cofactors, to produce a product from a substrate. The substrate comprises a ribonucleotide, a deoxyribonucleotide, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Yi Lu, Juewen Liu
  • Publication number: 20120252128
    Abstract: A general methodology to design label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors using a vacant site approach and an abasic site approach is described. In one example, a method for designing label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors (e.g., those that include a DNAzyme, aptamer or aptazyme) that have a tunable dynamic range through the introduction of an abasic site (e.g., dSpacer) or a vacant site into the functional nucleic acids. Also provided is a general method for designing label-free fluorescent aptamer sensors based on the regulation of malachite green (MG) fluorescence. A general method for designing label-free fluorescent catalytic and molecular beacons (CAMBs) is also provided. The methods demonstrated here can be used to design many other label-free fluorescent sensors to detect a wide range of analytes. Sensors and methods of using the disclosed sensors are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Yi Lu, Yu Xiang, Weichen Xu
  • Patent number: 8278111
    Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: University of Kansas
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Stowell Laurence, Anthony Andrew Vartia, Mary Elizabeth Krause
  • Patent number: 8263410
    Abstract: Disclosed is an innovative method for detecting metal ions based on selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer between metal-ligand complexes and a single nanoplasmonic particle as a probe. The selective plasmonic resonance energy transfer occurs if a resonance frequency matching condition between the single nanoplasmonic particle and the metal-ligand complexes is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignees: Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Sogang University, University of California, Berkeley
    Inventors: Taewook Kang, Luke P. Lee, Yeonho Choi, Younggeun Park
  • Patent number: 8257981
    Abstract: Novel chemical compounds, with application in fluorometric analytical methods, for qualitative and quantitative determination of biomolecules. The aim of the invention is to identify and prove the suitability of such compounds. Said aim is achieved with compounds of formula (1) where R1 is an antenna function, R2 is a chelate forming agent, containing a coordinated lanthanide(III)ion, X is —OH or a group with affinity for the biomolecule, bonded to a carboxylate group of the chelate forming agent by means of an amide bond and Y is —H or a group with affinity for the biomolecule, coupled to the antenna function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sensient Imaging Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Marx, Frank Schumer, Regina Lischewski, Kornelia Zeckert, Hans-Joachim Böhme, Horst Hennig
  • Patent number: 8252595
    Abstract: Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: University of Kansas
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Stowell Laurence, Anthony Andrew Vartia, Mary Elizabeth Krause
  • Publication number: 20120184039
    Abstract: A method for facilitating removal of mercury from a primary fluid stream of interest which is contaminated with organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species. The stream is analyzed to establish the relative content of the organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species present therein by forming a diverted side stream from the primary stream, and passing the side stream successively through three in series filter stages, the first captures organically bound mercury, the second captures elemental mercury, and the third captures ionic mercury. The side stream flow through the filter stages is continued for a predetermined period, and upon conclusion of the period the quantity of mercury collected at each of the filtration stages is determined. This data is then utilized to determine the capacity of the three different filtration stages required to reduce the mercury content in the mam stream to a desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: MYCELX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20120184040
    Abstract: This disclosure discloses a method and a device for the detection of heavy metal ions in water. The method includes: providing a detection material, wherein the detection material includes a hydrophilic layer which is at least partially covered by a hydrophobic layer formed from a long-chain compound selected from the group consisting of a long-chain thiol, a long-chain fatty acid and combinations thereof, and wherein a detection area is an area covered by the hydrophobic layer, and the detection area has a surface having an initial contact angle with water of more than or equal to about 120°; contacting the detection area with an aqueous solution sample; determining whether the surface of the detection area has a hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity change after contact with the aqueous solution sample; and deciding whether heavy metal ions exist in the aqueous solution sample according to the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoke Zhang, Hisashi Kajiura, Yongming Li
  • Publication number: 20120184041
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for detecting and/or quantifying compounds of interest present in gaseous form or dissolved in a solvent. The apparatus according to the invention includes an electrical device including two electrodes, and a device for measuring the variation in charges between the two electrodes of the electrical device. The electrical device includes a layer made of an insulating dielectric material onto which a layer of receptor molecules is grafted, and finally, a layer of semiconductor material is deposited onto the receptor molecule layer. The invention can be used in the field of detecting and/or quantifying compounds of interest present, in particular, in a gas or in a solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Alexandre Carella, Jean-Pierre Simonato
  • Patent number: 8216856
    Abstract: The invention relates to a detectable molecule comprising a biospecific binding reactant attached to a luminescent lanthanide chelate comprising a lanthanide ion and a chelating ligand of the formula (I) wherein, R1A R1B are independently of each other selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, —COOH, —COO—, —CH2COOH, —CH2COO—, hydroxyl or OR2; R2 is selected from the group consisting of —CH3, —C(CH3)3, —C(CR4)3, wherein R4 is an alkyl with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, —CH2COOH, —CH2COO?, and appropriate hexose residues; R3 is a linker for coupling to a biospecific binding reactant selected from the group consisting of thiourea (—NH—CS—NH—), aminoacetamide (—NH—CO—CH2—NH—), amide (—NH—CO— and —CO—NH—), aliphatic thioether (—S—), disulfide (—S—S—) and 6-substituted-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine; and the lanthanide ion is selected from the group consisting of europium(III), terbium(III), dysprosium(III) and samarium(III). The invention also relates to corresponding lanthanide chelates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Abacus Diagnostica Oy
    Inventors: Harri Takalo, Jouko Kankare, Elina Tienari