Preliminary results for 2-D separation with high-performance thin-layer chromatography and pressurized planar electrochromatography

Separation of some vitamins in reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography and pressurized planar electrochromatography with eluent containing surfactant

The separation of some water- and fat-soluble vitamins via micellar systems of reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) was subjected to research. Hence, the influence of the mobile phase composition (surfactant and acetonitrile concentration, eluent buffer pH) on the migration distances and zone separation of some vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, folic acid, ergocalciferol and α-tocopherol) was investigated. Our results indicated that the applied technique has an impact on the solute order. Comparing the system capacity of HPLC and PPEC (measured as height of the theoretical plate) for the mobile phase systems with and without surfactant shows differences, especially for fat-soluble vitamin. The variances and reproducibilities (% RDS) values of the vitamin are less in PPEC than in TLC. Moreover, the migration distances of water-soluble vitamins are longer than fat-soluble ones. Overall, eluent consisting of 50% acetonitrile, 18.75 mM SDS, the buffer of pH 6.99 via the PPEC technique was most appropriate for determining the investigated vitamins in the artificial mixture and the two commercially available vitamin combinations.

Pressurized planar electrochromatography of DNS amino acids derivatives in silica gel and silanized silica gel systems with formic acid addition to the water mobile phase

Pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) of dansyl (DNS) derivatives of amino acids in normal- and reversed-phase systems is presented. The results have been obtained for mobile phases with different acetonitrile (ACN) concentrations (0–85%). The data obtained show differences in separation selectivity between high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and PPEC systems. These differences originate from the electrophoretic effect which is involved in the PPEC system, contrary to the HPTLC one.

Protein separation under a microfluidic regime

Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC), or micro-Total Analysis Systems (μTAS), is recognized as a powerful analytical technology with high capabilities, though end-user products for protein purification are still far from being available on the market. Remarkable progress has been achieved in the separation of nucleic acids and proteins using electrophoretic microfluidic devices, while pintsize devices have been developed for protein isolation according to miniaturized chromatography principles (size, charge, affinity, etc.). In this work, we review the latest advances in the fabrication of components, detection methods and commercial implementation for the separation of biological macromolecules based on microfluidic systems, with some critical remarks on the perspectives of their future development towards standardized microfluidic systems and protocols. An outlook on the current needs and future applications is also presented.

Preliminary results for interval feeding the orthogonal pressurized planar electrochromatography system with sample solution for its preparative separation

The orthogonal pressurized planar electrochromatography (OPPEC) is an example of 2-D separation technique, in which two simultaneous and orthogonal processes of electrophoresis and chromatography are involved in the separation mechanism. In the case of preparative separation of substances characterized by different electrophoretic mobility, such separation system can be constantly fed with the sample solution and the separated components can be constantly collected at its outlet. In the paper, as opposed to the previous studies, we discuss the capabilities of OPPEC technique for preparative separation of substances characterized by the same electrophoretic mobility. According to the proposed solution, the separation system can be periodically fed with the sample solution and separated components can be collected alternately at its outlet. The advantages of this new approach over the column chromatography with regard to the separation of complex mixtures have been signaled.

Influence of the Modifier Type and its Concentration on Electroosmotic Flow of the Mobile Phase in Pressurized Planar Electrochromatography

The aim of this work was to find a relationship between electroosmotic flow (EOF) velocity of the mobile phase in pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) and physicochemical properties like zeta potential, dielectric constant, and viscosity of the mobile phase as well as its composition. The study included different types of organic modifiers (acetonitrile, methanol, ethanol, acetone, formamide, N-methylformamide and N,N-dimethylformamide) in the full concentration range. In all experiments, chromatographic glass plates HPTLC RP-18 W from Merck (Darmstadt) were used as a stationary phase. During the study we found that there is no linear correlation between EOF velocity of the mobile phase and single variables such as zeta potential or dielectric constant or viscosity. However, there is quite strong linear correlation between EOF velocity of the mobile phase and variable obtained by multiplying zeta potential of the stationary phase-mobile phase interface, by dielectric constant of the mobile phase solution and dividing by viscosity of the mobile phase. Therefore, it could be concluded that the PPEC system fulfilled the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski equation.

A Modified Device for Pressurized Planar Electrochromatography and Preliminary Results with On-Line Sample Application

Pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) is a separating technique in which an electric field is applied to force the mobile phase movement through a porous media (electroosmotic effect). High separation efficiency, fast separations and changes in separation selectivity in comparison to liquid chromatography, especially thin layer chromatography (planar chromatography, TLC), are features of this technique. Constructional methodological challenges to PPEC are obstacles to its development and application in laboratory practice. In this article, an attempt to overcome the challenges related to device construction and sample application/injection is described. The introduced device enables both prewetting of the adsorbent layer and electrochromatogram development with a single PPEC device. It also enables simultaneous application/injection of six samples on a chromatographic plate in a stream of the mobile phase (on-line application/injection). In addition, the PPEC chamber was equipped with a thermostat. The device is characterized by an impressive throughput in comparison to the other planar technique, TLC/HPTLC. Although the developed device still needs improvement, it is, in our opinion, a considerable step toward possible automation of this planar separation technique.