RCSB PDB Mobile : iOS and Android mobile apps to provide data access and visualization to the RCSB Protein Data Bank

Abstract

Summary: The Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank (RCSB PDB) resource provides tools for query, analysis and visualization of the 3D structures in the PDB archive. As the mobile Web is starting to surpass desktop and laptop usage, scientists and educators are beginning to integrate mobile devices into their research and teaching. In response, we have developed the RCSB PDB Mobile app for the iOS and Android mobile platforms to enable fast and convenient access to RCSB PDB data and services. Using the app, users from the general public to expert researchers can quickly search and visualize biomolecules, and add personal annotations via the RCSB PDB’s integrated MyPDB service.Availability and implementation: RCSB PDB Mobile is freely available from the Apple App Store and Google Play (http://www.rcsb.org).Contact: pwrose@ucsd.edu

The RCSB Protein Data Bank: views of structural biology for basic and applied research and education

“…For high-performance rendering and display of very large structures on mobile devices, we offer the RCSB PDB Mobile app for both iOS and Android operating systems ( 43 ).…”

“…One such tool, RCSB PDB Mobile , fully described in ( 43 ), supports simple queries of the PDB archive, browsing of results and access to the complete catalog of Molecule of the Month education articles using mobile devices. RCSB PDB Mobile also allows interactive 3D visualization using the molecular viewer NDKmol ( http://webglmol.sourceforge.jp ), launched by entering a PDB ID or from search results.…”

NGL viewer: web-based molecular graphics for large complexes

“…Due to its high performance, NGL Viewer has been selected as the default 3D viewer for the RCSB PDB website (rcsb.org) and has replaced RCSB PDB Mobile (Quinn et al, 2015), a dedicated viewer for mobile devices. NGL Viewer downloads MMTF files that contain the asymmetric unit and transformations to create biological assemblies.…”

A Mobile Device Application as a Tool That Promotes the Understanding of Protein Structure and Function Relationship

“…These small devices have many functionalities, and their employment as a pedagogical instrument has shown great potential in the education system, becoming an emerging and powerful tool. , Nowadays, many people have access to a portable device, which can be used to promote interactive learning activities and to enhance student motivation . However, despite the availability of several biochemistry applications for portable devices, − few of them have been applied in education. − …”