MASTR-MS: a web-based collaborative laboratory information management system (LIMS) for metabolomics.

Area of Science:

• Metabolomics
• Bioinformatics
• Laboratory Management

Background:

• High-throughput metabolomic pipelines generate large volumes of data annually.
• Existing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) lack metabolomics-specific features for comprehensive sample and data tracking.
• There is a need for a LIMS suitable for both single-site and multi-site metabolomics facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce MASTR-MS, a novel LIMS solution tailored for metabolomics laboratories.
• To provide a system capable of managing the complete sample lifecycle, from experimental design to data archiving.
• To offer a flexible LIMS deployable in single or multi-laboratory collaborative settings.

Main Methods:

• Development of a downloadable and installable LIMS solution, MASTR-MS.
• Implementation of a Node Management System for linking and managing projects across laboratories.
• Integration of User, Quote, Project, and Data Management Systems for comprehensive workflow control.
• Automatic capture and storage of analytical data directly into the LIMS.

Main Results:

• MASTR-MS enables deployment in single laboratories or across multisite networks.
• The system includes modules for node, user, quote, project, and data management.
• It facilitates the tracking of samples and associated metadata throughout the experimental process.
• Automated data capture from analytical instruments to the LIMS is supported.

Conclusions:

• MASTR-MS is a comprehensive LIMS designed for metabolomics research.
• It manages the entire sample lifecycle, serving as an electronic notebook for project management.
• The software supports single-laboratory and multi-node collaborative environments.
• MASTR-MS is freely available under the GNU GPL v3 license.