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. 2017 Jul 26:2017:68-74.
eCollection 2017.

Visualization of molecular structures using HoloLens-based augmented reality

M A Hoffman  1   2 , J B Provance  2
Affiliations

Visualization of molecular structures using HoloLens-based augmented reality

M A Hoffman et al. AMIA Jt Summits Transl Sci Proc. .

Abstract

Biological molecules and biologically active small molecules are complex three dimensional structures. Current flat screen monitors are limited in their ability to convey the full three dimensional characteristics of these molecules. Augmented reality devices, including the Microsoft HoloLens, offer an immersive platform to change how we interact with molecular visualizations. We describe a process to incorporate the three dimensional structures of small molecules and complex proteins into the Microsoft HoloLens using aspirin and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) as examples. Small molecular structures can be introduced into the HoloStudio application, which provides native support for rotating, resizing and performing other interactions with these molecules. Larger molecules can be imported through the Unity gaming development platform and then Microsoft Visual Developer. The processes described here can be modified to import a wide variety of molecular structures into augmented reality systems and improve our comprehension of complex structural features.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Process to load small molecule to OneDrive
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Process to view small molecule in HoloStudio
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Process to load large molecule structure into HoloLens
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
HLA visualization in HoloLens
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Hybrid inner and outer structure
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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