MicroLabVR: a VR-based platform for interactive 3D microbiome data visualization
Publication date
2025-11-14
Document type
Konferenzbeitrag
Author
Organisational unit
Conference
9th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Bioinformatics (ICBEB 2025) ; Prague, Czech Republic ; September 19-21, 2025
Publisher
EDP Sciences
Series or journal
BIO Web of Conferences
ISSN
Periodical volume
195
Article ID
02002
Part of the university bibliography
✅
Language
English
Abstract
Microbiome data are inherently complex, high-dimensional, and often challenging to interpret using conventional two-dimensional visualization techniques. To address this limitation, we present MicroLabVR, a proof-of-concept virtual reality (VR) application designed for the immersive visualization and exploration of simulated microbiome data. MicroLabVR supports the interactive inspection of spatial population dynamics and substance concentration distributions in two and three dimensions, offering a more intuitive understanding of microbial behavior. The application integrates data exported from BacArena, a hybrid constraintand agent-based modeling tool, and visualizes metabolic fluxes and explores spatiotemporal changes within a simulated Petri dish environment. Unlike existing microbiome visualization tools, MicroLabVR enables real-time exploration of dynamic, spatially resolved simulation data in an immersive 3D environment. It provides a novel interface that enhances the interpretation of microbiome simulations by allowing users to interactively examine spatial patterns, temporal changes, and metabolic activities. Future developments will focus on volumetric representations, integration of metabolic flux directions, and streamlined data transfer from simulation tools. MicroLabVR extends the capabilities of existing desktop platforms and highlights VR’s potential in microbiome research.
Description
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Version
Published version
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