Approach to Improving the Quality of Open Data in the Universe of Small Molecules

Abstract

We describe an approach to improving the quality and interoperability of open data related to small molecules, such as metabolites, drugs, natural products, food additives, and environmental contaminants. The approach involves computer implementation of an extended version of the IUPAC International Chemical Identifier (InChI) system that utilizes the three-dimensional structure of a compound to generate reproducible compound identifiers (standard InChI strings) and universally reproducible designators for all constituent atoms of each compound. These compound and atom identifiers enable reliable federation of information from a wide range of freely accessible databases. In addition, these designators provide a platform for the derivation and promulgation of information regarding the physical properties of these molecules. Examples of applications include, compound dereplication, derivation of force fields used in determination of three-dimensional structures and investigations of molecular interactions, and parameterization of NMR spin system matrices used in compound identification and quantification. We are developing a data definition language (DDL) and STAR-based data dictionary to support the storage and retrieval of these kinds of information in digital resources. The current database contains entries for more than 90 million unique compounds.