Location History:
- Somerville, MA (US) (1999)
- Cambridge, MA (US) (1997 - 2006)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1997-2006
Title: Todd Holmes: Innovator in Amphiphilic Peptide Membranes
Introduction
Todd Holmes is a prominent inventor based in Cambridge, MA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of biomaterials through his innovative work on amphiphilic peptides. With a total of 5 patents, his research focuses on the self-assembly of peptides into stable macroscopic membranes.
Latest Patents
One of Todd Holmes' latest patents is titled "Stable macroscopic membranes formed by self-assembly of amphiphilic peptides and uses therefor." This patent describes the self-assembly of amphiphilic peptides, which are peptides with alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues, into macroscopic membranes. The membrane-forming peptides are greater than 12 amino acids in length, and preferably at least 16 amino acids, ensuring they are complementary and structurally compatible. Specifically, two peptides, (AEAEAKAK) and (ARARADAD), have been shown to self-assemble into these macroscopic membranes. The patent outlines the conditions under which the peptides self-assemble and methods for producing the membranes. The resulting macroscopic membranes exhibit several interesting properties, including stability in aqueous solutions, serum, and ethanol. They are also highly resistant to heat, alkaline and acidic pH, chemical denaturants, and proteolytic digestion, while being non-cytotoxic. These membranes hold potential for various biomaterial applications, such as slow-diffusion drug delivery systems, artificial skin, and separation matrices, as well as serving as experimental models for Alzheimer's disease and scrapie infection. The sequence of the peptide, EAK16, was derived from a putative Z-DNA binding protein from yeast, known as zuotin. The cloning and characterization of the ZUO1 gene are also detailed in the patent.
Career Highlights
Todd Holmes is affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he continues to advance his research in biomaterials and peptide technology. His work has garnered attention for its innovative approach to creating stable membranes that can be utilized in various medical and scientific applications.
Collaborations
Some of Todd Holmes' notable coworkers include Shuguang Zhang and Curtis A Lockshin. Their collaborative efforts contribute to the ongoing research and development in the field of amphiphilic peptides.
Conclusion
Todd Holmes is a distinguished inventor whose work on amph