Professors Charles Lieber, Andrew Myers, Sunney Xie, Frank Sacks, Stuart Schreiber, Suzanne Walker, Roy Gordon, and George Whitesides were among the faculty members issued U.S. patents this August. The patents include:

Nanosensors and related technologies
U.S. Patent 9,102,521 (August 11, 2015)

Charles M. Lieber, Ying Fang, and Fernando Patolsky

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nanoscale wire devices and methods for use in determining nucleic acids or other analytes suspected to be present in a sample. For example, a nanoscale wire device can be used to detect single base mismatches within a nucleic acid (e.g., by determining association and/or dissociation rates). In one aspect, dynamical information such as a binding constant, an association rate, and/or a dissociation rate, can be determined between an analyte and a binding partner immobilized relative to a nanoscale wire. In some cases, the nanoscale wire includes a first portion comprising a metal-semiconductor compound, and a second portion that does not include a metal-semiconductor compound. The binding partner, in some embodiments, is immobilized relative to at least the second portion of the nanoscale wire, and the size of the second portion of the nanoscale wire may be minimized and/or controlled in some instances.

Trioxacarcins and uses thereof
U.S. Patent 9,102,697 (August 11, 2015)

Andrew G. Myers, Nicholas E. Hill, Jakub Svenda, Robert T. Yu, Daniel J. Smaltz, and Thomas Magauer

Abstract: The present invention relates to trioxacarcin compounds of the formula: (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable forms thereof; wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 are as defined herein. The present invention also provides processes for preparing such compounds and intermediates thereto; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; and methods of use and treatment.

Laser illumination systems and methods for dual-excitation wavelength non-linear optical microscopy and micro-spectroscopy systems
U.S. Patent 9,104,030 (August 11, 2015)

Khanh Kieu, Nasser Peyghambarian, Xiaoling Sunney Xie, Christian W. Freudiger, and Dan Fu

Abstract: An illumination system is disclosed for providing dual-excitation wavelength illumination for non-linear optical microscopy and micro-spectroscopy. The illumination system includes a laser system, an optical splitting means, a frequency shifting system, and a picosecond amplifier system. The laser system includes a laser for providing a first train of pulses at a center optical frequency ω₁. The optical splitting means divides the first train of pulses at the center optical frequency ω₁ into two trains of pulses. The frequency shifting system shifts the optical frequency of one of the two trains of pulses to provide a frequency shifted train of pulses. The picosecond amplifier system amplifies the frequency shifted train of pulses to provide an amplified frequency-shifted train of pulses having a pulse duration of at least 0.5 picoseconds.

Compositions and methods of targeting apolipoprotein B for the reduction of apolipoprotein C-III
U.S. Patent 9,107,933 (August 18, 2015)

Frank M. Sacks and Diane Tribble

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for lowering Apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) in a subject in need thereof. Subjects in need of ApoC-III reduction include subjects with elevated ApoC-III levels, subjects with a condition associated with ApoC-III, subjects with diabetes, obese subjects and subjects with cardiovascular disease. Compositions to lower ApoC-III include compounds targeting Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) such as Mipomersen and other antisense compound targeting ApoB.

Compounds, compositions, and methods for cancer therapy
U.S. Patent 9,108,923 (August 18, 2015)

Drew Adams, Mingji Dai, Stuart Schreiber, Mahmud Mustaqim Hussain, and Zarko Boskovic

Abstract: Compounds including various oligomers of piperlongumine and/or piperlongumine analogues as well as certain piperlongumine analogues that exhibit improved toxicity to cancer cells are disclosed. Also provided are compositions that comprise the compounds, methods of making compositions comprising the compounds, methods of making the compounds, and the use of compounds in methods for treating cancer.

Heterocyclic inhibitors of necroptosis
U.S. Patent 9,108,955 (August 18, 2015)

Gregory D. Cuny, Xin Teng, Junying Yuan, Alexei Degterev, and John A. Porco, Jr.

Abstract: The invention features a series of heterocyclic derivatives that inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) induced necroptosis. The heterocyclic compounds of the invention are described by Formulas (I) and (Ia)-(Ie) and are shown to inhibit TNF-α induced necroptosis in FADD-deficient variant of human Jurkat T cells. The invention further features pharmaceutical compositions featuring the compounds of the invention. The compounds and compositions of the invention may also be used to treat disorders where necroptosis is likely to play a substantial role.

Self-aligned barrier and capping layers for interconnects
U.S. Patent 9,112,005 (August 18, 2015)

Roy Gerald Gordon, Harish B. Bhandari, Yeung Au, and Youbo Lin

Abstract: An interconnect structure for integrated circuits for copper wires in integrated circuits and methods for making the same are provided. Mn, Cr, or V containing layer forms a barrier against copper diffusing out of the wires, thereby protecting the insulator from premature breakdown, and protecting transistors from degradation by copper. The Mn, Cr, or V containing layer also promotes strong adhesion between copper and insulators, thus preserving the mechanical integrity of the devices during manufacture and use, as well as protecting against failure by electromigration of the copper during use of the devices and protecting the copper from corrosion by oxygen or water from its surroundings. In forming such integrated circuits, certain embodiments of the invention provide methods to selectively deposit Mn, Cr, V, or Co on the copper surfaces while reducing or even preventing deposition of Mn, Cr, V, or Co on insulator surfaces. Catalytic deposition of copper using a Mn, Cr, or V containing precursor and an iodine or bromine containing precursor is also provided.

Moenomycin biosynthesis-related compositions and methods of use thereof
U.S. Patent 9,115,358 (August 25, 2015)

Suzanne Walker and Bohdan Omelyanovich Ostash

Abstract: The methods and compositions described herein relate to the identification, isolation, and characterization of genes which encode proteins useful for the biosynthesis of transglycosylase inhibitors such as moes. The methods and compositions also relate to the production of such proteins, and their use in the synthesis of moes, the expression of moes, and the production of modified moes.

Fluid delivery system and method
U.S. Patent 9,116,148 (August 25, 2015)

Vincent Linder, Samuel K. Sia, and George M. Whitesides

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering one or more fluids. Fluids may be delivered sequentially from a common vessel to a chemical, biological or biochemical process.