Schedio-Pro: An Interactive Virtual Reality Game for Protein Design

Protein design is a rapidly expanding field complemented with the latest surge of computational tools to predict the 3D structure and to create entirely novel proteins using de novo design. In its simplistic terms, the process of protein design involves combining basic structures such as Sheet, Helix, and Coils for various intended applications. Different permutations and combinations of these basic structures can result in a wide variety of proteins. Molecular visualisation and the ability to interact with the 3D structure are crucial for protein design and edutainment. Using virtual reality for protein design and interaction provides users with an enhanced immersive experience. To simulate a cutting-edge protein interaction experience within a Virtual Reality (VR) setting, an interactive protein design VR game Schedio-Pro has been developed. Schedio-Pro has unique features that make it an indispensable tool. Gamification: Basic protein molecules can visualise in the game as 3D models. They can be grabbed by players and thrown to another molecule. The simulation of the combination process can be achieved by replacing two basic proteins with the model of their combination. Manipulating the structure: This is achieved using 3D rigging. In other words, the combination model can be deformed properly by filling bones into it. By bending and twisting the bones with VR controllers, the protein can be folded to different shapes. Visualising structures from PDB (Protein Data Bank): Protein model can be packed as an Asset Bundle and loaded in the game at run time. This feature can benefit protein engineers to visualise all sorts of protein models on demand in a VR environment.