Analysis of Gel Electrophoresis Images

Electrophoregrams generated after the electrophoresis experiment can be evaluated by eye, using simple measurement tools. A basic strip or spot densitometer and a ruler can provide data that are adequate for some purposes. More detailed analysis requires more sophisticated measurement tools. We may need to know the molecular weights and proportional purities or abundances of various compounds distributed across a lane. In these sorts of quantitative applications, image analysis offers many advantages.In this paper we present a computerized image analysis of gel electrophoresis. Measurement made on image is more accurate then those made on gel itself. Image analysis is by far the quickest way to obtain quantitative data from gels. Digitized specimens provide a permanent archive that can replace tedious photo documentation. Corrections for warpage and background artifacts can be applied to the gel images before measurement. Image analysis will provide both graphical and pictorial views during analysis. Analysis using multiple views improves the accuracy with which bands are defined. Image analysis is inherently flexible. This will allow a laboratory to deal efficiently with different types of gel specimens.