Using Yeast Cell Walls to Deliver Genetic Medicine
A method for using hollowed-out yeast cell walls as tiny transport containers to deliver genetic payloads like DNA or RNA into cells.
Original patent title: “Drug delivery product and methods”
A method for using hollowed-out yeast cell walls as tiny transport containers to deliver genetic payloads like DNA or RNA into cells. Granted to University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2013 with 60 claims and 4 forward citations.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes a biological delivery system that uses the empty shell of a yeast cell as a protective vessel. To keep a genetic payload—like siRNA or DNA—inside this shell, the inventors add a cationic (positively charged) trapping molecule. Because genetic material is typically negatively charged, the positive 'trapping' molecule acts like a magnet, holding the medicine securely inside the yeast shell until it reaches its target. This allows the system to carry delicate therapeutic molecules through the body without them breaking down prematurely.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover delivery systems that use synthetic or non-yeast-based shells.
- Does not cover systems that lack a cationic trapping molecule to secure the payload.
- Does not cover the use of yeast cell walls that contain more than 90 weight percent beta-glucan.
- Does not cover payloads that are not nucleic acids, such as small molecule drugs or proteins, unless they are specifically part of a nucleic acid construct.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The invention uses the natural, porous structure of a yeast cell wall as a physical cage, combined with electrostatic attraction (positive trapping molecule to negative DNA/RNA) to prevent the payload from leaking out.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Targeted gene therapy research
Oral delivery of RNA-based therapeutics
Vaccine delivery platforms
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Delivering genetic medicine is notoriously difficult because the body often destroys DNA or RNA before it reaches the target. By repurposing natural yeast cell walls, this technology provides a biodegradable and potentially non-toxic way to package these sensitive therapies, which is a major hurdle in gene therapy and vaccine development.
Filed
May 17, 2010
Granted
November 12, 2013
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
The technology originated from research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Companies focused on yeast-derived delivery platforms, such as those developing oral vaccine delivery or targeted immunotherapy, have explored similar particulate systems to improve the stability of biological drugs.
Market impact
This patent contributed to the broader field of 'biomimetic' delivery, where scientists use natural structures rather than purely synthetic chemicals to move medicine. It highlights the shift toward using biological waste products, like yeast cell walls, to solve the stability and delivery challenges inherent in modern genetic medicine.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes a biological delivery system that uses the empty shell of a yeast cell as a protective vessel. To keep a genetic payload—like siRNA or DNA—inside this shell, the inventors add a cationic (positively charged) trapping molecule. Because genetic material is typically negatively charged, the positive 'trapping' molecule acts like a magnet, holding the medicine securely inside the yeast shell until it reaches its target. This allows the system to carry delicate therapeutic molecules through the body without them breaking down prematurely.
The clever bit
The invention uses the natural, porous structure of a yeast cell wall as a physical cage, combined with electrostatic attraction (positive trapping molecule to negative DNA/RNA) to prevent the payload from leaking out.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover delivery systems that use synthetic or non-yeast-based shells.
- Does not cover systems that lack a cationic trapping molecule to secure the payload.
- Does not cover the use of yeast cell walls that contain more than 90 weight percent beta-glucan.
- Does not cover payloads that are not nucleic acids, such as small molecule drugs or proteins, unless they are specifically part of a nucleic acid construct.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Moderate
Citation count
14/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
20/20
Very broad protection
Recency
5/20
Granted 10–20 years ago
Assignee scale
20/20
Major company or institution
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$126K – $403K
Midpoint $252K · 3.9 yr remaining · industry ×3.0
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
The original legal language
Original claims
60 claims as filed with the patent office.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
Ostroff, G. R. (2013). Using Yeast Cell Walls to Deliver Genetic Medicine (U.S. Patent No. 8,580,275). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/8580275/car-t-cell-therapy
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Using Yeast Cell Walls to Deliver Genetic Medicine cover?
A method for using hollowed-out yeast cell walls as tiny transport containers to deliver genetic payloads like DNA or RNA into cells.
Who owns patent US 8580275?
University of Massachusetts Amherst owns this patent, granted in 2013.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on November 12, 2033, when the invention enters the public domain.
What is patent US 8580275 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 4 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
Delivering genetic medicine is notoriously difficult because the body often destroys DNA or RNA before it reaches the target. By repurposing natural yeast cell walls, this technology provides a biodegradable and potentially non-toxic way to package these sensitive therapies, which is a major hurdle in gene therapy and vaccine development.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover delivery systems that use synthetic or non-yeast-based shells.
Patent monitoring