Gel Imaging and Analysis Systems: Understand End-User Needs

The 2006 Gel Imaging and Analysis Systems Report is composed of a market overview as well as an introduction to the 2006 Gel Imaging and Analysis Systems Survey, which contains questions about the gel imaging systems and related applications that researchers are using. The report also includes a discussion of the survey results and conclusions and recommendations drawn from both the market analysis of gel imaging and analysis and the survey data. The market overview describes gel imaging or documentation systems as a tool for both detecting labeled proteins (or nucleic acids) and generating digital images for computer analysis. Most systems discussed are also used for cellular microscopy and DNA analysis and therefore are indirectly included in revenue streams that arise from this particular technology. The development of cooled charge-coupled devices (CCDs) and laser scanners has allowed improvements in imaging sensitivity and permitted resolution up to 10 microns/pixel, a magnitude greater than normally required for gel imaging. While the dyes used for detection are often the most cost-prohibitive factors in the utilization of this technology, instrument costs are also substantial, with molecular and elemental analysis equipment responsible for revenues in excess of $7 billion in 2004 and expected to grow steadily. Current approaches to market penetration by imaging vendors are focused on instrument ease of use, reproducibility, flexibility, and functionality, all important factors for consumer purchasing decisions.

Additional Information

Survey Introduction

The 2006 Gel Imaging and Analysis Systems Survey is designed to provide life science vendors of gel imaging systems with a better understanding of how their products are used in the research environment and how their company specifically rates among the survey participants. Data were gathered from questions regarding what brand and type of gel imaging system is used, how long it has been in use, how certain features rate in terms of user satisfaction and overall user satisfaction with the entire system, what types of gels and blots are imaged, how many images are generated per week and whether a trend to either increase or decrease this number of generated images is anticipated, detection methods, stains, and dyes used, purchase plans for specific systems and price estimates, what factors are important for purchase decision-making, whether software is used for analysis, and what features/improvements are needed on future models or next generation gel imaging systems. Armed with this information, vendors will be positioned to structure marketing campaigns to address consumer needs, as well as focus product development in areas of greatest interest to those involved in gel imaging applications.

Survey Methodology

The 2006 Gel Imaging and Analysis Systems Survey consisted of 28 questions. Of these, 11 included “other” as an answer choice and 2 were open-ended. Five questions were used for demographic information. The survey was administered on-line from February 22nd - March 3rd, 2006, and the data gathered, tabulated, and presented here.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The data gathered from the 2006 Gel Imaging and Analysis Systems Survey indicate that most researchers are using CCD digital camera-gel imaging systems with chemiluminecence capability for both DNA and protein analysis. These scientists use their systems weekly and are eager to find intuitive, powerful systems to move forward in their current research. Cost is an important factor guiding purchasing trends, not only as a criterion for purchasing decisions, but as a suggestion for companies designing the next generation imaging systems.

Phortech International3 reported that most researchers stated that they would purchase new instruments from Bio-Rad, which is consistent with the present survey results that revealed that half of those polled had either Bio-Rad or KODAK imaging systems. To continue to hold their share of the market, such vendors are advised to look carefully at consumer suggestions for new and improved product lines, especially in the areas of scale and cost, versatility of use and application, improved software and resolution, and enhanced technical support. As with most product lines, customer service is the way to maintain high ratings among scientific consumers.

While complex, powerful systems are currently designed with a broad range of user expertise in mind, vendors must run effective campaigns to educate purchasers about instrument ease of use, as well as the myriad of functions their systems can provide. Any advantage one imaging system has over another may make the critical difference in the scientist’s decision to purchase.

The gel imaging market is growing to encompass ready-to-use modular systems to which needed components can be added. Such easy modification options and flexibility are attractive to some scientists, while custom-assembled instruments, designed to user specifications, appeal to many others. Vendors need to be prepared to introduce their own flexibility into their product lines and listen closely to their customer base for guidance.

Increases in laboratory productivity and cost savings are critical to the sales of large instrument systems, which are expected to grow steadily over the next several years. There is an increasing demand for comprehensive solutions with higher accuracy rates that will drive researchers to invest their limited resources in the best system for their work. In this competitive marketplace, complete systems that not only excel in data acquisition but also in data analysis, mining, and storage are likely to rise more rapidly than those with more limited functionality among the “must-have” tools for today’s researcher.