Welcome to “Learning StereoChem VR”
Learning StereoChem VR is a mobile app where you can experience stereoisomers in a virtual reality, using Google Cardboards. Stereoisomers have the same molecular formula and the same connectivity of atoms but a different arrangement of atoms in space. Stereoisomers are non-superimposable on their mirror image. Proteins can often distinguish between these mirror images. In this app we explain the importance of stereochemistry, using the following:
Handedness – the stereoisomer concept is often explained using the left and right hand relationship – the two hands are not the same and are not-superimposable. Therefore the term handedness.
L- and D-amino acids – All alpha amino acids, but glycine, include a so-called alpha carbon. The alpha carbon is a chiral atom, and all alpha amino acids (but glycine) can exist in either of two enantiomers (stereoisomers), called L or D amino acids, which are mirror images of each other. The natural amino acids are all L-stereoisomers (L stands for “left-handed”).
R/S-ibuprofen – Ibuprofen is pain-relief administered as a racemic mixture (i.e. both stereoisomers). The R-enantiomer undergoes extensive interconversion to the S-enantiomer in vivo. The S-enantiomer is believed to be the more pharmacologically active enantiomer.
Losec/Nexium – Esomeprazole (Nexium®), is the S-enantiomer of racemic S,R-omeprazole (Losec®). Because S-omeprazole is less susceptible to metabolism than the R-form, esomeprazole achieves up to 90% higher steady-state serum concentrations than racemic omeprazole.
Citalopram/Escitalopram – Citalopram is the racemate, and thus composed of the two enantiomers, R-citalopram and S-citalopram. It has been found that Citaloprams pharmacologic activity comes from the S enantiomers high affinity for the serotonin transporter which is twice as high as citaloprams and up to 40 times higher than R-citalopram.
Instructions and features – Click start and you travel in the direction you are facing. The Google Cardboard button (or tapping on the screen) can be used to stop/freeze the view. If a wireless controller is connected to your mobilephone you can steer with that one. The speed can be modified. Atomic representations such as lines, ball-and-sticks, CPK space-filling are available for all small molecules.
We, EduChem VR (http://educhem-vr.com), create immersive virtual reality world of atoms and molecules, while playing. All molecules are 3D objects and one very efficient way to learn more and deeper about atoms and bonds is by VR. Compare for example, the traditional way of teaching stereoisomers using pen & paper/whiteboard/physical models with VR.
EduChem VR, http://www.educhem-vr.com/#contact