Implementation and use of cloud-based electronic lab notebook in a bioprocess engineering teaching laboratory

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Life Sciences Education

Background:

• Traditional paper lab notebooks (PLNs) are insufficient for modern life science and engineering experiments due to large data volumes and integrity requirements.
• Limited training and expertise in electronic lab notebooks (ELNs) hinder their adoption in research, with many labs still using PLNs.
• This study focused on integrating a cloud-based ELN (LabArchives) into a bioprocess engineering lab course.

Purpose of the Study:

• To train students in electronic record-keeping, good documentation practices (GDPs), and data integrity using an ELN.
• To evaluate the impact of ELN implementation on pedagogy, learning outcomes, and user experience in a bioprocess engineering lab course.
• To demonstrate the adaptability of ELN implementation methods for various laboratory settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized LabArchives, a cloud-based electronic lab notebook system.
• Integrated ELN training into a bioprocess engineering lab course curriculum.
• Collected and analyzed user experience data over two subsequent course offerings.

Main Results:

• ELN implementation streamlined workflows, improved data recording, archiving, sharing, and collaboration.
• Significant enhancements in data integrity, information exchange, and real-time experimental monitoring were observed.
• User experience attributes and student perceptions of ELN superiority over PLNs for compliance improved over time.

Conclusions:

• Electronic lab notebooks can be successfully implemented in academic lab courses, yielding substantial benefits for teaching, GDP training, and data integrity.
• The developed methods for ELN integration are transferable to diverse laboratory experiment types.
• ELNs offer a superior alternative to PLNs for modern laboratory record-keeping and compliance.