Harvard faculty Ronald Desrosiers, Joanna Aizenberg, David Liu, David Mooney, Peng Yin, Bob Datta, Dave Weitz, Doug Melton, Alfred Goldberg, and George Church are among the inventors issued U.S. patents in July 2018.

The innovations recognized are as follows:

Methods and compositions for transgene expression in a herpesvirus vector system
U.S. Patent 10,010,594 (July 3, 2018)

Ronald Desrosiers and Young Shin

Abstract: Compositions are provided comprising a replication-competent herpesvirus vector system and/or a herpesvirus vector particle comprising a heterologous recombinant transgene of interest encoding an antigen of interest (e.g., a tumor-associated antigen, a microbial antigen, etc.), wherein the recombinant transgene has been modified to comprise a codon usage signature of a herpesvirus late gene operably linked to an active promoter. Such compositions find use in a variety of methods including, for example, methods of generating an immune response against an antigen of interest in a subject in need thereof, as well as methods for treating or preventing cancer or a microbial infection.

Slips surface based on metal-containing compound
U.S. Patent 10,011,800 (July 3, 2018)

Joanna Aizenberg, Michael Aizenberg, and Philseok Kim

Abstract: A method of preparing an article having a slippery surface includes providing a metal-containing surface, chemically modifying the metal-containing surface to roughen the metal-containing surface, and disposing a lubricating layer on the roughened metal-containing surface, wherein the lubricating layer is substantially stabilized on the roughened metal-containing surface.

Reactivity-dependent and interaction-dependent PCR
U.S. Patent 10,011,868 (July 3, 2018)

David R. Liu, David Gorin, Adam Kamlet, Lynn Marie McGregor, and Christoph Erich Dumelin

Abstract: Methods, reagents, compositions, and kits for reactivity-dependent polymerase chain reaction (RD-PCR) and interaction-dependent polymerase chain reaction (ID-PCR) are provided herein. RD-PCR is a technique useful for determining whether a reactive moiety can form a covalent bond to a target reactive moiety, for example, in screening a library of candidate reactive moieties for reactivity with a target reactive moiety, and in identifying an enzyme substrate, for example, in protease substrate profiling. ID-PCR is a technique useful for determining whether a ligand can non-covalently bind to a target molecule, for example, in screening a library of candidate ligands for non-covalent interaction with a target molecule. RD-PCR and ID-PCR are also useful in detecting the presence of an analyte or an environmental condition.

Prefabricated alginate-drug bandages
U.S. Patent 10,016,524 (July 10, 2018)

Cathal J. Kearney, Uyanga Tsedev, David J. Mooney, Aristidis Veves, Thomas Michael Braschler, and Sidi A. Bencherif

Abstract: The invention provides a solution to the drawbacks associated with conventional alginate dressings. This invention features improved alginate dressings or bandages as well as a fabrication process that results in an alginate sheet that is preloaded with drug, can be stored in a freeze-dried state, and is compliant and ready to use at the time of administration.

Nucleic acid nanostructure barcode probes
U.S. Patent 10,024,796 (July 17, 2018)

Chenxiang Lin, Chao Li, William M. Shih, Peng Yin, and Ralf Jungmann

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, barcode probes comprised of transiently or stably fluorescently labeled nucleic acid nanostructures that are fully addressable and able to be read using standard fluorescent microscope and methods of use thereof including methods of use as detectable labels for probes.

System and method for automatically discovering, characterizing, classifying and semi-automatically labeling animal behavior and quantitative phenotyping of behaviors in animals
U.S. Patent 10,025,973 (July 17, 2018)

Sandeep Robert Datta and Alexander B. Wiltschko

Abstract: A method for studying the behavior of an animal in an experimental area including stimulating the animal using a stimulus device; collecting data from the animal using a data collection device; analyzing the collected data; and developing a quantitative behavioral primitive from the analyzed data. A system for studying the behavior of an animal in an experimental area including a stimulus device for stimulating the animal; a data collection device for collecting data from the animal; a device for analyzing the collected data; and a device for developing a quantitative behavioral primitive from the analyzed data. A computer implemented method, a computer system and a nontransitory computer readable storage medium related to the same. Also, a method and apparatus for automatically discovering, characterizing and classifying the behavior of an animal in an experimental area. Further, use of a depth camera and/or a touch sensitive device related to the same.

Valves and other flow control in fluidic systems including microfluidic systems
U.S. Patent 10,029,256 (July 24, 2018)

Adam R. Abate and David A. Weitz

Abstract: Articles and methods for controlling flow in fluidic systems, especially in microfluidic systems, are provided. In one aspect, a microfluidic system described herein includes a configuration such that the actuation of a single valve can allow the switching of fluids from a first fluid path (e.g., a first channel section) to a second fluid path (e.g., a second channel section). This may be achieved, for example, by incorporating a valve with a first channel section, which may have a lower hydrodynamic resistance than a second channel section prior to actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve can cause only the hydrodynamic resistance of the first channel section to increase, thereby redirecting fluid flow into the second channel section (which now has a relatively lower hydrodynamic resistance). In some embodiments, the valve comprises a control channel for introducing a positive or reduced pressure, and is adapted to modulate fluid flow in an adjacent channel section by constricting or expanding the channel section. For example, the valve and/or the channel section may be formed in a flexible material and actuation of the valve may be achieved by applying a positive or reduced pressure to the valve to cause deformation of both the valve and the channel section. Another aspect of the invention includes articles and methods associated with manipulation of multiphase materials (e.g., dispersions). For instance, one or more valves may be combined with a flow focusing system so as to form droplets of different volumes and/or frequencies without the need to vary flow rates of the fluids when they are introduced into the fluidic system.

SC-β cells and compositions and methods for generating the same
U.S. Patent 10,030,229 (July 24, 2018)

Quinn P. Peterson, Felicia J. Pagliuca, Douglas A. Melton, Jeffrey R. Millman, Michael Saris Segel, and Mads Gurtler

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions, kits, and agents useful for inducing β cell maturation, and isolated populations of SC-β cells for use in various applications, such as cell therapy.

Methods for inducing glucose uptake
U.S. Patent 10,036,016 (July 31, 2018)

Shenhav Cohen and Alfred L. Goldberg

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing glucose uptake in a muscle cell by inhibiting Trim32 protein in the cell and to a method for inducing glucose uptake in a muscle cell, by increasing the abundance of plakoglobin protein in the cell.

Methods for making nucleotide probes for sequencing and synthesis
U.S. Patent 10,036,055 (July 31, 2018)

George M. Church, Kun Zhang, and Joseph Chou

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a plurality of probes for analyzing a plurality of nucleic acid samples are provided. Compositions and methods for analyzing a plurality of nucleic acid samples to obtain sequence information in each nucleic acid sample are also provided.

Compositions of toehold primer duplexes and methods of use
U.S. Patent 10,036,059 (July 31, 2018)

David Yu Zhang and Peng Yin

Abstract: Provided herein are primers and primer systems having improved specificity and kinetics over existing primers, and methods of use thereof.