Combinatorial libraries

Special-purpose data systems are generally used for combinatorial library data management.
Specialized approaches are required for huge, truly combinatorial libraries, e.g., the all-hexapeptide library (20^6 = 6.4e7) or 500x500x500 design libraries (1.25e8).
Experimental combinatorial library sizes of 500-10000 are now most common, for which either special-purpose or conventional information management methods are suitable.
In addition to result storage and analysis, combinatorial databases are often used for experimental design and robotic process control. Integration with other kinds of databases is important, e.g., for reagent acquisition and inventory control.