EDITORIAL Computers have significantly improved during recent years in respect to their size, speed, performance and many other features. Improved operating systems and programming languages, better handling of data storage and retrieval in combination with high capacity storage media, large data handling capacity, high resolution graphics and excellent data presentation peripherals combined with a significant drop in price and the widespread acceptance of computers in the workplace have contributed to their spread into the scientific community. In electrophoresis, especially within the last 3 years, computers introduced new equipment, widened the area of applications, allowed new insights and better understanding of theory and helped solve more complicated analytical challenges. The number of papers on electrophoresis, using a computer has increased dramatically.

As computers evolved, their contribution was higher productivity, faster results, better control (analytical quality assurance), increased accuracy and precision (and less errors) as well as providing comprehensive reports. They were involved in the frontend of the technique, as computerized power supplies and thermostats became available, and they contributed their valuable work at the end, when separation was done and the results of the electrophoretic runs were about to be evaluated. They introduced the possibility for comparison in a new dimension: multi-parameter curve fitting, pattern recognition and two-dimensional spot matching technologies were used more frequently than ever before. They added new ways of defining complicated distribution pattern by enhanced analysis tools leading to complete physical characterization of particles. They allowed for automation and parameter control to achieve defined experimental conditions and standardized separation results. They allowed to use complicated mathematical procedures in a very easy way: complex algorithms, which before only could be performed on main frame computers, are now accessable for personal computers. Computers contributed the background for result analysis and data interpretation. The combination of computers and electrophoresis as a separation technique with its excellent resolving power relying on several parameters, which describe each of the molecules under investigation in its uniqueness (in respect to size, charge, shape and compressibility), made it the most powerful analytical tool of the last years. The information potential derived from such an approach clearly contributed to the fact, that electrophoresis itself evolved to one of the most advanced separation techniques in the biological sciences -as a useful and widespread applicable analytical procedure for routine and research applications.

Since the uses of computers in electrophoresis are as numerous as their users, this issue can only provide a mosaic view of today’s efforts for the integration of computers in the achievement of increased efficiency and reliability of electrophoretic procedures. As you may recognize from the diversity of the papers in this issue, there are many ways of a productive symbiosis between modern computer and modern separation technology. The authors of this issue are the best witnesses for the tremendous impact of possibilities and advantages this combination can generate to serve the every-day user in the same way as the research specialist. Summarized, the marriage of electrophoresis and computers lead to the following benefits: (i) Computers make the electrophoretic process controllable and parameter influences more transparent. (ii) Computers make electrophoretic results accessable, that could not be interpreted a few years ago. Everybody can utilize the experience of experts by using their programs for assistance in complicated evaluations. The result of this development are easy-to-use evaluation tools that will allow even more wide spread use of electrophoresis. Data interpretation requires less efforts. Data evaluation leads to “sound” results with statistical confidence. Data presentation is provided in understandable formats.

I am convinced that the way electrophoresis took during the last years is a way in an even more successful future. But I am aware, too, that there are still some remaining questions to be solved and a long road to go to make a11 the programs user-friendly and easy to use; even though, however, computer decisions should never be trusted uncritically.Computers never will substitute the experiment, but without computers in electrophoresis, the tremendous success and widespread application of electrophoretic technique in biochemistry, forensic analysis, genetic engineering, agriculture and food industry would not be possible. Erich Gombocz Guest Editor

Computers.

EDITORIAL Computers have significantly improved during recent years in respect to their size, speed, performance and many other features. Improved ope...
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