Ken A Healy

Author:

Ken Healy

ISBN #:

0452269393

US Patent:

20130309776, Nov 21, 2013

Filed:

Jul 20, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/553853

Inventors:

Marija Drndic - Philadelphia PA, US
Ken Healy - Auburn AL, US
Meni Wanunu - Chestnut Hill MA, US
Christoper Ali Merchant - Baltimore MD, US
Matthew Puster - Philadelphia PA, US
Kimberly Elizabeth Venta - Philadelphia PA, US

Assignee:

THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA - Philadelphia PA

International Classification:

G01N 27/26

US Classification:

436 94, 422 8201, 156 60, 156252, 1562722, 1562726, 264405, 264483

Abstract:

Provided are graphene-based nanopore and nanostructure devices, which devices may include an insulating layer disposed atop the graphene, which can be in a planar shape or nanostructured into a ribbon or other shapes, containing a single graphene layer or several layers. Graphene layers and nanostructures can be placed nearby horizontally or stacked vertically. Also provided are related methods of fabricating and processing such devices and also methods of using such devices in macromolecular analysis.

US Patent:

20210205814, Jul 8, 2021

Filed:

May 24, 2019

Appl. No.:

17/057910

Inventors:

- Oxford, GB
Ken Healy - Cambridge MA, US

International Classification:

B01L 3/00
G01N 33/487

Abstract:

Droplet interfaces are formed between droplets in an electro-wetting device comprising an array of actuation electrodes. Actuation signals are applied to selected actuation electrodes to place the droplets into an energised state in which the shape of the droplets is modified compared to a shape of the droplets in a lower energy state and to bring the two droplets into proximity. The actuation signals are then changed to lower the energy of the droplets into the lower energy state so that the droplets relax into the gap and the two droplets contact each other thereby forming a droplet interface. The use of sensing electrodes in the device permit electrical current measurements across the droplet interface. The sensing electrodes can be used for either (i) applying a reference signal during droplet actuation or (ii) recording electrical current measurements. Two or more electrodes are configurable to lyse cells within a droplet positioned over said electrodes.

US Patent:

20200292521, Sep 17, 2020

Filed:

Mar 11, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/816221

Inventors:

- Cambridge MA, US
Justin Millis - Cambridge MA, US
Ken Healy - Cambridge MA, US

Assignee:

Oxford Nanopore Technologies Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

G01N 33/487
G01N 27/12

Abstract:

Devices for improved nanopore sensing are described. An example device has a structure arranged to separate an analyte reservoir and an outlet chamber. An example device has a structure arranged to separate an analyte reservoir and an outlet chamber. The structure can include an array of nanopore structures, each nanopore structure comprising a passage for fluid connection through the structure between the analyte reservoir and outlet chamber. Control terminals can be arranged for applying a control signal to alter the electrical potential difference across that nanopore structure. Some embodiments include an electronic circuit configured to detect a signal from an electrical transduction element at each nanopore structure. Additional structural features and methods of operating and making the devices are described.

US Patent:

20200179880, Jun 11, 2020

Filed:

Feb 12, 2020

Appl. No.:

16/788733

Inventors:

- Cambridge MA, US
Ken Healy - Cambridge MA, US
Justin Millis - Cambridge MA, US

Assignee:

Oxford Nanopore Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

B01D 67/00
C25F 3/14
C12Q 1/6869
B01D 69/12
G01N 33/487
C25F 7/00
B01D 69/02
C25F 3/02
B01D 69/06

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for forming apertures in a solid state membrane using dielectric breakdown are provided. In one disclosed arrangement a plurality of apertures are formed. The membrane comprises a first surface area portion on one side of the membrane and a second surface area portion on the other side of the membrane. Each of a plurality of target regions comprises a recess or a fluidic passage opening out into the first or second surface area portion. The method comprises contacting all of the first surface area portion of the membrane with a first bath comprising ionic solution and all of the second surface area portion with a second bath comprising ionic solution. A voltage is applied across the membrane via first and second electrodes in respective contact with the first and second baths comprising ionic solutions to form an aperture at each of a plurality of the target regions in the membrane.

US Patent:

20180141007, May 24, 2018

Filed:

May 20, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/575798

Inventors:

- Cambridge MA, US
Ken Healy - Cambridge MA, US
Justin Millis - Cambridge MA, US

Assignee:

Oxford Nanopore, Inc. - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

B01D 67/00
B01D 69/12
B01D 69/02
C25F 3/14
C25F 7/00
G01N 33/487
C12Q 1/6869

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for forming apertures in a solid state membrane using dielectric breakdown are provided. In one disclosed arrangement a plurality of apertures are formed. The membrane comprises a first surface area portion on one side of the membrane and a second surface area portion on the other side of the membrane. Each of a plurality of target regions comprises a recess or a fluidic passage opening out into the first or second surface area portion. The method comprises contacting all of the first surface area portion of the membrane with a first bath comprising ionic solution and all of the second surface area portion with a second bath comprising ionic solution. A voltage is applied across the membrane via first and second electrodes in respective contact with the first and second baths comprising ionic solutions to form an aperture at each of a plurality of the target regions in the membrane.

US Patent:

20150232923, Aug 20, 2015

Filed:

Sep 26, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/429655

Inventors:

- Philadelphia PA, US
Ken Healy - Auburn AL, US
Vishva Ray - Ann Arbor MI, US
Lauren J. Willis - Philadelphia PA, US
Neil Peterman - Cambridge MA, US
John Bartel - Palo Alto CA, US

International Classification:

C12Q 1/68
C23C 14/34
C23C 16/455
G01N 27/40

Abstract:

Disclosed are insulated nanoelectrode associated with nanopores, useful in macromolecular analysis devices. Also disclosed are related methods of fabrication and use.

US Patent:

20140332381, Nov 13, 2014

Filed:

May 9, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/274404

Inventors:

- Oakland CA, US
Kenneth J. Shea - Irvine CA, US
Ken Healy - Auburn AL, US
Laura Michele Innes - Cerritos CA, US
Matthew Schiel - Irvine CA, US
Matthew Pevarnik - Irvine CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

G01N 27/447

US Classification:

204451

Abstract:

A method for multiplex characterization of individual particles by their size, shape, mechanical properties (deformability), and chemical affinity to recognition agents. The analysis can be performed from concentrated solutions. The method detects transient sticking of particles in the pore and points to its location along a pore axis. If a pore is decorated with a recognition agent for an analyte present in a solution, it is possible to distinguish specific binding at the place of the recognition agent, and non-specific adsorption of the analyte. The method confirms whether any individual particle or hydrogel completely translocates the pore and allows unambiguous detection and characterization of multiple particles or hydrogels in the pore, which would previously corrupt the results, so that higher analyte concentrations can be used for faster analysis. High aspect ratio of the pores (ratio of pore length and diameter) together with the pattern of ion current pulses also allow passage of the same particle or cell multiple times without letting the cell exit the pore.