Systems and methods for automated alignment, calibration and standardization of electrophoresis data

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for improving the analysis of analytes by using electrophoresis apparatus. Exemplary methods provide an increase in the yield of useful results, e.g., quantity and quality of useable data, in automated peak detection, in connection with an electrophoretic separation, e.g., capillary electrophoresis. In various embodiments, the system virtualizes the raw data, transforming the migration time into virtual units thereby allowing the visual comparison of analyte electropherograms and the reliable measurement of unknown analytes. The analytes can be, for example, any organic or inorganic molecules, including but not limited to nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), proteins, peptides, glycans, metabolites, secondary metabolites, lipids, or any combination thereof. Analyte detection can be performed by any method including, but not limited to, fluorescence detection or UV absorption. The present teachings provide, among other things, for consistent comparisons of analyte peaks across samples, across instruments, across runs, and across migration times.