You have not given much detail about the data generated, the depth of such a graph, and the access patterns (queries). However, it is very easy to track all samples and materials if you traverse this graph using a graph database. Here you can use any of the databases mentioned. OrientDB and ArangoDB are also multi-model databases where you can still query the data in a relational way using joins - you retain full flexibility.

In SQL, you can use Common Table Expressions (CTEs) and use them to write a recursive query that reads all parent nodes of a tree.

I would recommend ArangoDB if your samples also have disparate or nested attributes so that the document model (JSON) fits, and you have many complex graph queries that should be performed as efficiently as possible. If not - stay with an RDBMS.