INSPIRING SCIENCE FUELING PROGRESS. REVOLUTIONIZING CARE.

Vibratess LLC- a women owned small business organized in 2007 as a spin-off from the University of Virginia, introduces completely new, patented, fast and simple method/technology and instruments (THz spectrometers) to see signatures of molecules in liquids (including body fluids). These signatures can serve as biomarkers in medicine and other bio-industry segments, which are important for early diagnosis of cancers, mental diseases, and for  presence of Coronaviruses, including all new varieties. 

The THz frequency range is important for life science applications because of the unique ability of this radiation to interact with low energy vibrations of hydrogen bonds between atoms within biological molecules. Although hydrogen bonds are very weak compared to covalent bonds (~ 20 times), these weak bonds determine the three-dimensional structure of DNA, RNA, and protein molecules and are vital for all processes within biological cells.

Experimental studies combined with computational Molecular Dynamic simulations demonstrated the presence of vibrational modes in absorption spectra of biological materials in THz frequency range. The frequencies and intensities of these absorption features reflect the sequence and the 3D structure of biological molecules and can serve as their specific fingerprints. All biological molecules present in body fluids contribute to fingerprints. Particularly, measurement results combined with simulations have shown that microRNAs have strong sub-THz absorption features, and the medical literature indicates the importance of specific microRNAs in regulatory pathways of all cancers and infection diseases.

   Vibratess has developed and built several working sub-THz spectrometer prototypes [1] and demonstrated their use in self-research in collaboration with researchers from UVA and Martha Jefferson Hospital Health Systems in Charlottesville for detection and quantification of potential molecular biomarkers, particularly microRNA molecules. Very broad commercial applications in medicine and other life science related applications include early diseases detection and monitoring disease progression.

Sub-THz Technology Applications

A very simple spectrometer -Vibr-4 with software for one touch operation and cloud data transfer has been in use since 2016 [2]. This is an affordable, simple, small, light instrument that can work on batteries in hospitals or points of care. Wireless communication is used for transferring results remotely to bio-medical laboratories. This is a research and application tool.  Scan time 2-3 min.  No purging or vacuum. Can be modified for used without a computer or monitor.

   Corona viruses, as well as some other human viruses, consist of RNA molecules and these molecules can be identified by measuring their sub-THz absorption spectra as well.  In each case, the molecular signature will be determined by the unique molecular structure making it possible to potentially identify and discriminate different varieties of viruses.  We demonstrated that we were able using sub-THz spectroscopy and instrumentation developed by Vibratess to identify molecular signature of COVID-19. Using sub-THz spectroscopy will make it possible to identify and discriminate all new versions of corona virus.

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[1] Development of a Biosensor Nanofluidic Platform for Integration with Terahertz Spectroscopic System, Accession Number ADA 621413, Final Report 03-2014, Vibratess LLC.

[2] T. Globus, A. Moyer, J. Ferrance and B. Gelmont, "Terahertz Spectroscopy characterization with high spectral and spatial resolution for biological and chemical sensing and method of use", n/p Patent No 9,417,193, filed 08-01-2013. Date of Patent: Aug 16, 2016

About Us

Vibratess’ Services

·         THz Spectroscopic characterization of biological and organic materials: macromolecules and microorganisms.

·         Creating Experimental database for THz spectroscopic signatures from specific biological materials and objects.

·         Computational modeling for prediction and automated analysis of spectroscopic signatures from bio-materials.

·         Consulting services on potential applications of this new technology.

·         NAICS Code 541712 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering & Life Sciences.

·         PSC Code B513 Special Studies/Analysis - Feasibility.

Measurements and Modeling Illustrations

Vibratess developed Sub-Terahertz resonance spectroscopy technology and innovative spectroscopic sensors to facilitate fast, optical, label-free and reagent-free, and improved molecular and cellular characterization analysis for life science applications, including but not limited to the early detection, diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic treatment of cancers that are currently difficult, invasive and costly to detect.