Software Platform Extends MS Analysis to Include Small Molecules

A new software platform has extended its mass spectrometry (MS) franchise to include small molecules in addition to protein analysis.

Although MS manufacturers are selling an increasing number of instruments for small molecule analysis, the bioinformatics aspect has been mostly underdeveloped. The new software program, SmileMS, offers robust, machine-independent software for the analysis of MS spectra from small molecules; a modern and dynamic user interface enabling users to seamlessly navigate through and share their results; and an open database of small molecule spectra allowing users to add both public and private data, enrich their proper search domain, and more share the database with other users.

SmileMS is a unique software platform for the identification and analysis of small molecules by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques. Developed by Geneva Bioinformatics (GeneBio; Geneva, Switzerland), in collaboration with the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB; Geneva, Switzerland) and Prof. Denis Hochstrasser's group at Geneva University Hospitals (Geneva, Switzerland), SmileMS targets a growing need a growing need for efficient and automatable processes for routine daily analysis of small molecules.

Prof. Denis Hochstrasser said, "My lab has been thoroughly working with the GeneBio team for more than a year now and we are very happy with the quality of the results SmileMS is producing in its early version. The tool by far surpasses other tools we have tested for both the quality of its results, its user-friendliness, and most importantly its extreme flexibility; using the same tool and databases with different separation methods and instruments as well as sharing the results amongst different users through Web access show great promise for routine clinical application.”


Related Links:
Geneva University Hospitals
Geneva Bioinformatics
Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics