Imaging and detection technologies for image analysis in electrophoresis

Image capture is the first step of image analysis. There are two major devices for image capture in the field of electrophoresis. One is the charged-couple device (CCD) camera and the other is the scanner. Image capture technologies have shown great progress in recent years especially in the field of fluorescence detection and chemiluminescent detection. The direction of image analysis is high resolution, wide dynamic range and high density precision and this holds true for the CCD camera system. Various components in the CCD camera system suitable for high-sensitive fluorescence detection and chemiluminescent detection are explained. As an example, the LAS-1000plus camera system which has 1364 x 922 pixels and generates 14-bits image is introduced. Powerful cooling enables overnight exposure of chemiluminescence. Introduction of blue light-emitting diode (LED) as excitation light source improved safety to eyes. Two types of scanners for fluorescence detection and the specific characteristics are explained. There are mechanical scanning systems using confocal optics and optical scanning systems using light collecting guide optics. Deep focusing range and equal fluorescence intensity at various depth is a characteristic feature of light collecting guide optics.