Processing of DNA fragment Images for Human Identification Studies

GARCIA HERNANDEZ, A.; CARBALLIDO, N.; IUDICA, C.; PASTORE, J.; BALLARIN, V.

Río Gallegos. Argentina

Congreso; XII Reunión de Trabajo en Procesamiento de la Información y Control, (XII RPIC 2007); 2007

Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia Austral, Unidad Académica Río Gallegos (UNPA - UARG)

At the present time, human identification through molecular biology techniques can be performed via automated methods of capillary electrophoresis or manual methods. The latter include vertical electrophoresis techniques by denaturant polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), later evidencing DNA fragments separated by this technique through silver staining. The digitalization, processing and filing of the images obtained on the stained gels and then developed are of relevance in the analysis of the information provided by this technique. Digital Image Processing techniques enhance the contrast of the images scanned. This enables a more efficient discrimination by professionals of the different areas of interest to be later processed. The image is then segmented individualizing such different areas in its length and width. Finally, a new image in black and white is obtained out of the original image information, so allowing experts to clearly visualize DNA ragments. The application of this supporting tool enables the optimization of results interpretation when manual techniques are employed, assuring a digitized image of reproducible quality, useful to document the work performed.