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Augmented-Nature

PubChem MCP Server

get_compound_bioactivities

Retrieve bioassay results and activity data for a specific compound using its PubChem CID, with optional filtering by activity outcome (active, inactive, or inconclusive).

Instructions

Get all bioassay results and activities for a compound

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
activity_outcomeNoFilter by activity outcome (default: all)
cidYesPubChem Compound ID (CID)

Implementation Reference

  • The handler function that implements the core logic for the 'get_compound_bioactivities' tool. It currently returns a placeholder message indicating the feature is not yet implemented.
    private async handleGetCompoundBioactivities(args: any) {
      return { content: [{ type: 'text', text: JSON.stringify({ message: 'Bioactivity search not yet implemented', args }, null, 2) }] };
    }
  • src/index.ts:784-785 (registration)
    Registration in the tool dispatcher switch statement that routes calls to the specific handler.
    case 'get_compound_bioactivities':
      return await this.handleGetCompoundBioactivities(args);
  • Tool registration entry in the ListTools response, including the name, description, and input schema definition.
    {
      name: 'get_compound_bioactivities',
      description: 'Get all bioassay results and activities for a compound',
      inputSchema: {
        type: 'object',
        properties: {
          cid: { type: ['number', 'string'], description: 'PubChem Compound ID (CID)' },
          activity_outcome: { type: 'string', enum: ['active', 'inactive', 'inconclusive', 'all'], description: 'Filter by activity outcome (default: all)' },
        },
        required: ['cid'],
      },
    },
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It mentions 'Get all bioassay results and activities', which implies a read-only operation, but does not specify aspects like rate limits, authentication needs, pagination, or what 'all' entails (e.g., completeness, format). This leaves significant gaps in understanding the tool's behavior.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, efficient sentence that directly states the tool's purpose without any unnecessary words. It is front-loaded and wastes no space, making it highly concise and well-structured for quick understanding.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the complexity of retrieving bioassay data, no annotations, and no output schema, the description is insufficient. It lacks details on return values, data format, potential limitations, or how it integrates with sibling tools, leaving the agent with incomplete context for effective use.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 100% description coverage, clearly documenting both parameters (cid and activity_outcome) with details like filtering and enum values. The description adds no additional meaning beyond this, such as explaining the scope of 'bioassay results' or how parameters interact, so it meets the baseline score for high schema coverage without adding value.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and the resource 'all bioassay results and activities for a compound', making the purpose specific and understandable. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'search_bioassays' or 'compare_activity_profiles', which might offer overlapping or related functionality, so it falls short of a perfect score.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines2/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. With sibling tools such as 'search_bioassays' and 'compare_activity_profiles', it's unclear if this tool is for retrieving all data for a specific compound or if other tools should be used for different scenarios, leaving the agent without explicit usage context.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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