Visual Haptic-based Collaborative Molecular Docking

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to search for protein-protein complementary pairs in collaborative virtual environment. This method employs visual and force feedback tools to search for the optimal interaction between proteins. The search is manual with force feedback consisting of a repulsion or attraction force. We developed a prototype system that allows real-time interactive visualization and manipulation of molecules with force feedback in virtual collaborative environment. In our system, we implemented haptic interface to facilitate the exploration and analysis of molecular docking. Haptic device enables both users to manipulate the molecules and feel its interaction during the docking process in collaborative virtual experiment on computer. In future, these techniques could help the user to understand molecular interactions, and could be used both in research and e-learning.