An Image Acquisition and Processing System for the 

 Analysis of Fluorescence from Stained DNA Gels* 



Ronald A. McKean 



KMS Fusion. Inc.. Ann Arbor. MI 48106 

 (313)769-8500 



Current methods that use fluorescence techniques to analyze stained DNA gels are 

 inadequate because the test results ( 1 ) cannot be easily accessed by a computer and (2) 

 cannot be precisely reproduced. The lack of available instrumentation to convert a 

 fluorescing image into a digitized record for computer entry and the lack of any 

 technique for standardizing analyses performed under varying conditions severely limit 

 the usefulness of this analysis. Overcoming these problems is essential as the need 

 increases for an efficient means of performing both the analysis and the statistical 

 review of the results. The goal of this project is to develop an instrument that will 

 digitize stained DNA directly from agarose gels, standardize the results, and provide 

 statistical analysis features. This instrument will quickly scan the gel with an optical 

 system capable of high photometric resolution as well as very high spatial precision. 

 The digitized data will then be electronically preprocessed (e.g., background sub- 

 traction, filtering, data compression) to ensure correct, noise-free data structured for 

 storage with minimal memory requirements. The stored data, then available for use in 

 imaging the gel, will produce statistical comparisons and generate graphical displays. 

 The data will be archivable using media such as magnetic tapes or disks. Phase I efforts 

 have been highly successful. The results demonstrated ( I ) acquisition of high-quality 

 image data directly from agarose gels without elaborate or high-cost components, (2) 

 feasibility of standardizing DNA results under varying electrophoretic conditions, and 

 (3) preliminary optical and electronic designs for this instrument. Phase I results thus 

 show the feasibility of the instrument that will solve many problems associated with 

 agarose gel analysis of DNA. 



*1988 award for two years. 



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