An alternative method for electrophoretic get image analysis in the GelMaster software

A novel methodology of electrophoretic get image analysis has been proposed that is based on two-dimensional image processing methods instead of previously used one-dimensional Gaussian deconvolution. The crucial problem of the analysis of imperfect gets, that consists in band detection, is solved using the algorithms of band boundary detection and intensity homogeneity indication. The template approach represents the core element of the developed algorithms. The GelMaster software system has been developed in which the novel algorithms are implemented. It involves two-stage interaction with the user: detection of the true bands and deleting the false band detections. The main features of the GelMaster system and the most important algorithms are described. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.