Image Analysis for Analytical and Microbial Studies

There exists a notable gap between the execution of experimental procedures and the analysis of results, especially concerning visual data such as images. While well-defined laboratory protocols for nanotechnology and biomedical experiments with clear pedagogical objectives are readily accessible, there is little focus on the processing of image data. In response to this gap, we present a dry lab centered on image processing for four specific experiments, viz. gel electrophoresis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and antibiotic susceptibility assays. This essential exercise enables students to quantitatively analyze the visualization results, thereby enhancing their skills in experimental and microbiological characterization. We highlight the application of the open-source software ImageJ and provide a detailed student handout that outlines a clear workflow for image processing as well as result interpretation, analysis, and data plotting. Our developed dry lab activity is easily adaptable and can be completed within a 3 h session, making it an enhancement to any educational curriculum.