Postcolumn reactor in capillary electrophoresis for laser-induced fluorescence detection

A comprehensive review on LED-induced fluorescence in diagnostic pathology

Sensitivity, specificity, mobility, and affordability are important criteria to consider for developing diagnostic instruments in common use. Fluorescence spectroscopy has been demonstrating substantial potential in the clinical diagnosis of diseases and evaluating the underlying causes of pathogenesis. A higher degree of device integration with appropriate sensitivity and reasonable cost would further boost the value of the fluorescence techniques in clinical diagnosis and aid in the reduction of healthcare expenses, which is a key economic concern in emerging markets. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are inexpensive and smaller are attractive alternatives to conventional excitation sources in fluorescence spectroscopy, are gaining a lot of momentum in the development of affordable, compact analytical instruments of clinical relevance. The commercial availability of a broad range of LED wavelengths (255-4600 nm) has opened up new avenues for targeting a wide range of clinically significant molecules (both endogenous and exogenous), thereby diagnosing a range of clinical illnesses. As a result, we have specifically examined the uses of LED-induced fluorescence (LED-IF) in preclinical and clinical evaluations of pathological conditions, considering the present advancements in the field.

Fluorogenic Quantification of Albumin

By optimising various fluorogenic dyes, non-fluorescent fluorescamine can react with primary amines to form highly fluorescent products, which is a simple, fast, and sensitive method for the quantification of albumin. The effects of pH, temperature, and chemicals were studied systematically to quantify albumin. The quantification method is more sensitive at alkaline pHs, affording measurement of proteins concentrations as low as 15 µg mL–1. Denaturation of albumin at elevated temperatures and/or use of chemicals, such as ethanol and acetone, can greatly improve the sensitivity of the albumin detection method. The simple, accurate, and reliable analysis of albumin contents under favourable conditions can be developed as an important method for early diagnosis of kidney disease.

Determination of neurotransmitters in PC 12 cells by microchip electrophoresis with fluorescence detection

A sensitive fluorescence detection system with an Hg-lamp as the excitation source and a photon counter as the detector for microchip CE (MCE) has been developed. O-Phthaldialdehyde (OPA, lambda(ex) = 340 nm) was employed to label the catecholamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and amino acid neurotransmitters including alanine (Ala), taurine (Tau), glycine (Gly), glutamic acid (Glu), and aspartic acid (Asp). The separation of seven derivatized neurotransmitters was successfully performed in MCE and the detection limits (S/N = 3) for DA, NE, Ala, Tau, Gly, Glu, and Asp were 0.85, 0.49, 0.23, 0.15, 0.13, 0.18, and 0.29 fmol, respectively. The system was then successfully applied for separation and determination of neurotransmitters in rat pheochromocytoma (PC 12) cells, and the average amounts of analyte per cell from a cell population were 2.5 fmol for DA, 3.3 fmol for Ala, 8.2 fmol for Tau, 4.0 fmol for Gly, and 1.9 fmol for Glu, respectively. By single-cell injection mode, electrophoresis separation and quantitative measurement of Glu in individual PC 12 cells was obtained. The average value of Glu per cell from single PC 12 cells analysis was found to be 3.5 +/- 3.1 fmol.

LIF detection of peptides and proteins in CE

CE- and microchip-based separations coupled with LIF are powerful tools for the separation, detection and determination of biomolecules. CE with certain configurations has the potential to detect a small number of molecules or even a single molecule, thanks to the high spatial coherence of the laser source which permits the excitation of very small sample volumes with high efficiency. This review article discusses the use of LIF detection for the analysis of peptides and proteins in CE. The most common laser sources, basic instrumentation, derivatization modes and set-ups are briefly presented and special attention is paid to the different fluorogenic agents used for pre-, on- and postcapillary derivatization of the functional groups of these compounds. A table summarizing major applications of these derivatization reactions to the analysis of peptides and proteins in CE-LIF and a bibliography with 184 references are provided which covers papers published to the end of 2005.

Analysis of biologically active amines by CE

This paper provides an overview on the current status of the analysis of biogenic amines by CE. The basic CE separation and detection strategies for the analysis of biogenic amines are briefly described. CZE and MEKC that provide highly efficient and reproducible analysis of biogenic amines are particularly surveyed. With respect to the detection of biogenic amines, we focus on LIF, UV-visible absorption, electrochemiluminescence, and MS. Derivatization strategies, indirect methods, and on-line concentration techniques such as field-amplified sample stacking, sweeping, and use of polymer solution are described. To show the practicality of CE, we highlight currently developed techniques for the determinations of biogenic amines in biological samples, including foods, beverages, cerebrospinal fluids, urine, and single cells.

Influence of chemical kinetics on postcolumn reaction in a capillary Taylor reactor with catechol analytes and photoluminescence following electron transfer

Postcolumn derivatization reactions can enhance detector sensitivity and selectivity, but their successful combination with capillary liquid chromatography has been limited because of the small peak volumes in capillary chromatography. A capillary Taylor reactor (CTR), developed in our laboratory, provides simple and effective mixing and reaction in a 25-microm-radius postcolumn capillary. Homogenization of reactant streams occurs by radial diffusion, and a chemical reaction follows. Three characteristic times for a given reaction process can be predicted using simple physical and chemical parameters. Two of these times are the homogenization time, which governs how long it takes the molecules in the analyte and reagent streams to mix, and the reaction time, which governs how long the molecules in a homogeneous solution take to react. The third characteristic time is an adjustment to the reaction time called the start time, which represents an estimate of the average time the analyte stream spends without exposure to reagent. In this study, laser-induced fluorescence monitored the extent of the postcolumn reaction (reduction of Os(bpy)3(3+) by analyte to the photoluminescent Os(bpy)3(2+)) in a CTR. The reaction time depends on the reaction rates. Analysis of product versus time data yielded second-order reaction rate constants between the PFET reagent, tris(2,2'-bipyridine)osmium, and standards ((ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammonium cation and p-hydroquinone) or catechols (dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. The extent of the reactions in a CTR were then predicted from initial reaction conditions and compared to experimental results. Both the theory and experimental results suggested the reactions of catechols were generally kinetically controlled, while those of the standards were controlled by mixing time (1-2 s). Thus, the extent of homogenization can be monitored in a CTR using the relatively fast reaction of the reagent and p-hydroquinone. Kinetically controlled reactions of catechols, however, could be also completed in a reasonable time at increased reagent concentration. A satisfactory reactor, operating at 1.7 cm/s (2 microL/min) velocity with solutes having diffusion coefficients in the 5 x 10(-6) cm2/s range, can be constructed from 8.0 cm of 25-microm-radius capillary. Slower reactions require longer reaction times, but theoretical calculations expect that a CTR does not broaden a chromatographic peak (N = 14 000) from a 100-microm-capillary chromatography column by 10% if the pseudo-first-order rate constant is larger than 0.1 s(-1).

Simultaneous electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence detection for microchip and conventional capillary electrophoresis

A simultaneous electrochemical (EC) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection scheme was introduced to both microchip and conventional capillary electrophoresis (CE). In this dual detection scheme, tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)3(2+)) was used as an ECL reagent as well as a catalyst (in the formation of Ru(bpy)3(3+)) for the EC detection. In the Ru(bpy)3(2+)-ECL process, Ru(bpy)3(3+) was generated and then reacted with analytes resulting in an ECL emission and a great current enhancement in EC detection due to the catalysis of Ru(bpy)3(3+). The current response and ECL signals were monitored simultaneously. In the experiments, dopamine and three kinds of pharmaceuticals, anisodamine, ofloxacin, and lidocaine, were selected to validate this dual detection strategy. Typically, for the EC detection of dopamine with the presence of Ru(bpy)3(2+), a approximately 5 times higher signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) can be achieved than that without Ru(bpy)3(2+), during the simultaneous EC and ECL detection of a mixture of dopamine and lidocaine using CE separation. The results indicated that this dual EC and ECL detection strategy could provide a simple and convenient detection method for analysis of more kinds of analytes in CE separation than the single EC or ECL detection alone, and more information of analytes could be achieved in analytical applications simultaneously.

Post-column fluorescence derivatization of proteins and peptides in capillary electrophoresis with a sheath flow reactor and 488 nm argon ion laser excitation

We report the use of a sheath flow reactor for post-column fluorescence derivatization of proteins. The derivatization reaction employed naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) and beta-mercaptoethanol, which were added in the sheath buffer. The labeled proteins were detected by laser-induced fluorescence with an argon-ion laser beam at 488 nm. The performance of this detection scheme was evaluated by separation of some protein standards. A column efficiency of 450,000 plates/m was obtained without stacking. The limits of detection for those standard proteins were determined to be from 8 to 32 nM. Excellent linear relationship was obtained with correlation coefficient of 0.9998 for alpha-lactalbumin concentration ranging from 3.91 x 10(-7) to 1.25 x 10(-5) M. Separation of protein standards at low pH was also demonstrated by reversing the electroosmotic flow (EOF) with addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to the running buffer. Different separation selectivity was achieved, but the sensitivity is poorer than that at high pH. This post-column derivatization detection system was applied successfully to analyze the protein extract from HT29 human colon cancer cells as well as tryptic peptides.

Chiral separation of fluorescamine-labeled amino acids using microfabricated capillary electrophoresis devices for extraterrestrial exploration

Chiral separations of fluorescamine-labeled amino acids are characterized and optimized on a microfabricated capillary electrophoresis (CE) device. A standard mixture of acidic and neutral amino acids is labeled with fluorescamine in less than 5 min and the hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) concentration, temperature, and pH are optimized (15 mM HPbetaCD, 6 degrees C, pH < 9) to achieve high-quality and low background chiral separations in less than 200 s. All four stereoisomers formed in the labeling reaction of the chiral dye with the chiral amino acids are typically resolved. At pH > 9, isomerization of the dye chiral center is observed that occurs on the time scale of the chip separation. Typical limits of detection are approximately 50 nM. These results demonstrate the feasibility of combining fluorescamine labeling of amino acids with microfabricated CE devices to develop low-volume, high-sensitivity apparatus and methods for extraterrestrial exploration.

Continuous flow derivatization system coupled to capillary electrophoresis for the determination of amino acids

A derivatization system coupled to capillary electrophoresis for the determination of amino acids using 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate as a labeling agent is described. In this system, amino acids are derivatized on-line in a three-channel flow manifold for sample, reagent and buffer solutions. The reaction takes place in a PTFE coil heated at 80 degrees C. The resulting solution, which contains the amino acid derivatives, is introduced into the electrophoretic system by means of an appropriate interface. Subsequently, amino acid derivatives are separated at 25 kV using a 40 mM sodium tetraborate aqueous solution with 30% (v/v) isopropanol solution as a running buffer. The electropherograms are monitored spectrophotometrically at 230 nm. The method has been applied to the determination of amino acids in feed samples and pharmaceutical preparations. A good concordance of the predicted values with those given by a standard amino acid analyzer is shown.

Laser ablation construction of on-column reagent addition devices for capillary electrophoresis

A simple and reproducible technique for constructing perfectly aligned gaps in fused-silica capillaries has been developed for postcolumn reagent addition with capillary electrophoresis. This technique uses laser ablation with the second harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser (532 nm) at 13.5 mJ/pulse and a repetition rate of 15 Hz to create these gaps. A capillary is glued to a microscope slide and positioned at the focal point of a cylindrical lens using the focused beam from a laser pointer as a reference. Gaps of 14.0 +/- 2.2 microm (n = 33) at the bore of the capillary are produced with a success rate of 94% by ablation with 400 pulses. This simple method of gap construction requires no micromanipulation under a microscope, hydrofluoric acid etching, or use of column fittings. These structures have been used for reagent addition for postcolumn derivatization with laser-induced fluorescence detection and have been tested for the separation of proteins and amino acids. Detection limits of 6 x 10(-7) and 1 x 10(-8) M have been obtained for glycine and tranferrin, respectively. Separation efficiencies obtained using these gap reactors range from 38,000 to 213,000 theoretical plates.

Polyamines as cancer markers: applicable separation methods

Spermine, spermidine, putrescine and cadaverine are aliphatic amines widely spread in the human body. Their concentrations together with their acetyl conjugates increase significantly in the biological fluids and the affected tissues of cancer patients. Their concentrations decrease with the improvement in the patient's condition on multiple therapy. Various chromatographic techniques are frequently used in monitoring concentrations of di- and polyamines in cancer. Among these techniques, thin-layer chromatography and liquid chromatography using pre- or postcolumn derivatization, separating on a reversed-phase or an ion-exchange column are the most commonly used. Besides, high-resolution capillary column gas chromatography (GC) is increasingly used over packed column GC, and in recent years, capillary zone electrophoresis has also gained some importance in polyamine determinations. The review examines the prospects and the limitations of polyamines as cancer markers using chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques.

Determination of free intracellular amino acids in single mouse peritoneal macrophages after naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde derivatization by capillary zone electrophoresis with electrochemical detection

A method is described for the direct identification and quantification of amino acids in individual mouse peritoneal macrophages by capillary zone electrophoresis with electrochemical detection after on-column derivatization with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde (NDA) and CN-. In this method, individual macrophages and then the lysing/ derivatizing buffer are injected into the front end of the separation capillary by electromigration with the aid of an inverted microscope. The front end of the separation capillary is used as a chamber to lyse the macrophage and derivatize its contents, which minimizes dilution of amino acids of a single macrophage during derivatization. Six amino acids (serine, alanine, taurine, glycine, glutamic acid, and aspartic acid) in single mouse peritoneal macrophages have been identified. Quantitation has been accomplished through the use of calibration curves, where the concentration ratios of these standard amino acids are similar to the concentration ratios of amino acids in macrophages. Cellular levels of the amino acids in these cells range from 0.27 +/- 0.20 fmol/ cell for alanine to 6.4 +/- 4.6 fmol/cell for taurine.

Post-capillary reaction detection in capillary electrophoresis based on the streptavidin-biotin interaction. Optimization and application to single cell analysis

A class-selective post-capillary reaction detection method for capillary electrophoresis is described in which a streptavidin-fluorescein isothiocyanate (streptavidin-FITC) conjugate is used to detect biotin moieties. The selective binding of biotin moieties to the streptavidin-FITC conjugate causes an enhancement of fluorescence proportional to the concentration of biotin present. After capillary electrophoresis the separated analytes react with streptavidin-FITC in a coaxial reactor and are then detected either by a benchtop spectrofluorometer (2.5 microM detection limit) or by an epi-fluorescence microscope (1 x 10(-7) M detection limit). The method is used to examine biotinylated species in a crude mammalian cell lysate which was found to contain 83+/-3 fmol in 3600 cell volumes. In addition, it is used to examine the uptake of biotin by individual sea urchin oocytes. The results indicate that, in the oocytes, biocytin is the prevalent form of biotin and its concentration varies widely between cells (mean=2+/-2 microM).

Continuous cell introduction for the analysis of individual cells by capillary electrophoresis

Instrumentation for high-throughput analysis of single cells by capillary electrophoresis is described. A flow-based interface that uses electroosmotic flow (EOF) provides continuous injection of intact cells through an introduction capillary into a cell lysis junction and migration of the resulting cell lysate through a separation capillary for analysis. Specifically, two capillaries were coupled together with 5-mm-long Teflon tubing to create a approximately 5-microm gap, and the junction was immersed in a buffer reservoir. High voltage was applied across both capillaries so that cells were continuously pumped into the first capillary by EOF. Individual cells were lysed on-column at the junction without detergents, presumably owing to mechanical disruption caused by a dramatic change in flow properties at the gap. After each cell was lysed at the junction, the major proteins hemoglobin and carbonic anhydrase were separated by capillary electrophoresis and the resultant analyte zones were detected by laser-induced native fluorescence using 275-nm excitation. The detection limits of hemoglobin and carbonic anhydrase were 37 and 1.6 amol, respectively, which correlate well with the literature. The instrumentation was evaluated with intact red blood cells. The averaged time for complete analysis (i.e., continuous injection, lysis, separation, and detection) of one human erythrocyte was less than 4 min with this capillary-based setup. Moreover, this instrumentation simplifies the introduction of individual, intact cells without the use of a microscope.

Derivatization trends in capillary electrophoresis

This survey gives an overview of recent derivatization protocols, starting from 1996, in combination with capillary electrophoresis (CE). Derivatization is mainly used for enhancing the detection sensitivity of CE, especially in combination with laser-induced fluorescence. Derivatization procedures are classified in tables in pre-, on- and postcapillary arrangements and, more specifically, arranged into functional groups being derivatized. The amine and reducing ends of saccharides are reported most frequently, but examples are also given for derivatization of thiols, hydroxyl, carboxylic, and carbonyl groups, and inorganic ions. Other reasons for derivatization concern indirect chiral separations, enhancing electrospray characteristics, or incorporation of a suitable charge into the analytes. Special attention is paid to the increasing field of research using on-line precapillary derivatization with CE and microdialysis for in vivo monitoring of neurotransmitter concentrations. The on-capillary derivatization can be divided in several approaches, such as the at-inlet, zone-passing and throughout method. The postcapillary mode is represented by gap designs, and membrane reactors, but especially the combination of separation, derivatization and detection on a chip is a new emerging field of research. This review, which can be seen as a sequel to our earlier reported review covering the years 1991-1995, gives an impression of current derivatization applications and highlights new developments in this field.

Capillary electrophoresis analysis of gentamicin sulphate with UV detection after pre-capillary derivatization with 1,2-phthalic dicarboxaldehyde and mercaptoacetic acid

A selective, sensitive, and rapid pre-capillary derivatization method for determination of the multicomponent aminoglycoside antibiotic gentamicin is described. The derivatization reagents 1,2-phthalic dicarboxaldehyde and mercaptoacetic acid were used and the thioisoindole derivative was UV detected at 330 nm. A central composite experimental design was performed to optimize selectivity and derivatization conditions. Baseline separation of gentamicin C1, C1a, C2, C2a, C2b, sisomicin and several minor components was achieved with a background electrolyte containing 30 mM sodium tetraborate, 7.5 mM beta-cyclodextrin and 12.5% (v/v) methanol at pH 10. Quantitative analysis was performed and illustrated the potential use of capillary electrophoresis for the identification and quantitation of gentamicin as an alternative to methods prescribed in the United States Pharmacopeia and European Pharmacopoeia.

Electrophoretic separation of proteins on a microchip with noncovalent, postcolumn labeling

Proteins were separated by microchip capillary electrophoresis and labeled on-chip by postcolumn addition of a fluorogenic dye, NanoOrange, for detection by laser-induced fluorescence. NanoOrange binds noncovalently with hydrophobic protein regions to form highly fluorescent complexes. Kinetic measurements of complex formation on the microchips suggest that the reaction rate is near the diffusion limit under the conditions used for protein separation. Little or no band broadening is caused by the postcolumn labeling step. Lower limits of detection for model proteins, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin A, and beta-lactoglobulin B, were <0.5 pg (approximately 30 amol) of injected sample. The relative fluorescence and reaction rates are compared with those of a number of other fluorogenic dyes used for protein labeling.

Study of single cells by using capillary electrophoresis and native fluorescence detection

Capillary electrophoresis is known for its compatibility with biological materials and with small samples. It is an ideal tool for the study of single biological cells. Either whole cells or the material secreted from cells can be quantified. By continuously flowing a chemical stimulant over an immobilized cell inside the entrance of the capillary, one can even record the temporal progression of cellular secretion with sub-second resolution. The use of native fluorescence detection in such experiments provides a sensitive, rapid, non-intrusive and quantitative probe of important biomolecules such as catecholamines and proteins.

Fluorescence detection of proteins and amino acids in capillary electrophoresis using a post-column sheath flow reactor

A simple laser-induced fluorescence detection method for proteins and amino acids in capillary electrophoresis is reported. A sheath flow cell is utilized as a post-column reactor for fluorescence derivatization of proteins and amino acids by addition of o-phthaldialdehyde-2-mercaptoethanol to the sheath fluid. With the use of a 50 microns I.D. capillary, the limits of detection for carbonic anhydrase are 0.73 nM or 1.8 amol which represents a five- and two-fold improvement, respectively, over the best results previously reported for post-column detection. In addition, separation efficiencies up to 8.07 x 10(5) are achieved and the detector response is linear over three-orders of magnitude. These results demonstrate that mixing is adequate and the reaction kinetics are rapid enough to provide sensitive detection with this approach. Also, because this post-column derivatization scheme requires no instrumental changes to a typical sheath flow cell detector, the system can be used for detection of pre-column labeled analytes and for native fluorescence detection.

Post-column derivatization for fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection in capillary electrophoresis

Instrumental developments and applications of post-column derivatization for fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection in capillary electrophoresis (CE) are reviewed. Various systems to merge the reagent solution with the separation medium have been developed, including coaxial capillary reactors, gap reactors and free solution or end-column systems. For all reactor types the geometry of the system, as well as the method to propel the reaction mixture (by pressure or by voltage) appeared to be critical to preserve the separation efficiency. Plate numbers of over 100,000 could be realised with different reactors. The strict requirements on the rate of post-column derivatization reactions to be applied in CE limit the number of different reagents that have been used. For fluorescence detection, with laser or lamps as the excitation source, so far mainly o-phthalaldehyde and its naphthalene analogue have been used as reagent. Derivatization systems that are based on complexation reactions also showed good promise for application in CE. Detection limits could be obtained that were comparable to those obtained after pre-column derivatization. Various reagents for chemiluminescence detection (e.g. the luminol and peroxyoxalate systems) have been studied. The often complicated chemistry involved made application of these reagents in CE even more difficult. Results obtained so far, in terms of sensitivity, have not been up to expectation, with detection limits usually in the order of micromol l(-1).

Postcolumn derivatization of peptides with fluorescamine in capillary electrophoresis

Fluorescamine is used as a postcolumn derivatization reagent for fluorescence detection detection of peptides after separation by capillary electrophoresis. The problems resulting from the use of an organic solvent have been solved by introducing LiC1O4 and 5% water into the postcolumn derivatization reagent. The reaction rate and detection sensitivity of amino acids and small peptides observed with fluorescamine and OPA were compared. Fluorescamine gives much higher sensitivity than o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) for small peptides, with detection limits for the selected peptides and amino acids below 0.1 mumol 1-1. Under optimized experimental conditions, the method has a good reproducibility and separation efficiency for peptides. The method was applied for the analysis of the protein tryptic digests. Only submicromolar concentrations of proteins were required.

Derivatization in capillary electrophoresis

In recent years capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been developed into a versatile separation technique, next to gas and liquid chromatography (LC), well suited for the determination of a wide variety of e.g., pharmaceutical, biomedical and environmental samples. The main advantages of CE over chromatographic separation techniques are its simplicity and efficiency. It is well recognized, however, that the sensitivity and selectivity of the detection are relatively weak points of CE. One way to overcome these limitations is the conversion (derivatization) of the analytes into product(s) with more favourable detection characteristics. Although, in principle, almost any detection mode can be combined with a derivatization procedure, in practice, fluorescence monitoring is favoured in most cases. This paper aims to give a short overview on the various reagents that can be used for pre-, post- and on-column derivatization in CE. First, a short introduction is given on CE as an analytical technique, followed by a discussion of the pros and cons of the various modes of derivatization, a comparison of derivatizations in CE with derivatizations in LC, the principles of fluorescence and prerequisites for a good fluorophore and the potential of using diode lasers in combination with a labelling procedure. With respect to the derivatization reagents the emphasis is on the labelling of amino, aldehyde, keto, carboxyl, hydroxyl and sulfhydryl groups.

Critical review of recent developments in fluorescence detection for capillary electrophoresis

Recent developments in capillary electrophoresis with fluorescence detection are reviewed. Instrumental advances have led to increased sensitivity and, therefore, a growing number of applications. Capillary electrophoresis has been coupled with various techniques to achieve multi-dimensional separations. Other advances have focused on temporal resolution when sampling from biological environments, increased sample throughput especially for DNA analysis, and fast separation times. New technologies including chip and channel electrophoretic separations with fluorescence detection are also discussed.

Developments in amino acid analysis using capillary electrophoresis

The current status in the analysis of amino acids using capillary electrophoresis is addressed. This area of biological analysis has received increased attention with more than 200 articles being published in the last five years. This review discusses pre-, post-, and on-column derivatization techniques used to tag amino acids providing a detectable moiety. Several separation methodologies which provided resolution for large sets of amino acids are presented. An overview of advances in the enantiomeric resolution methodologies for amino acids is given. Both direct and indirect enantiomeric separation schemes are summarized. Recent advances in detection strategies for both derivatized and underivatized amino acids are presented. Applications utilizing amino acid analysis by capillary electrophoresis are described. This review covers articles published between 1991 and 1996.

Capillary zone electrophoresis of proteins

This review article with 237 references is focused on capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) of proteins. It includes discussion of modeling electrophoretic migration of proteins, sample pretreatment before the analysis, methods reducing the sorptions of proteins on the capillary wall, and techniques for increasing selectivity by using electrolyte additives including the sieving matrices. Significant progress in detection techniques, namely in laser-induced fluorescence and mass spectrometry, is emphasized. Modifications of CZE using specific interactions, such as affinity capillary electrophoresis or capillary immunoelectrophoresis, are debated as well as combination of CZE with other separation methods such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A number of practical applications of CZE of proteins are described.

Labeling reactions applicable to chromatography and electrophoresis of minute amounts of proteins

Chromatography and electrophoresis have become extremely valuable and important methods for the separation, purification, detection and analysis of biopolymers and HPLC/HPCE may become the premier, preferable approaches for both qualitative and quantitative analyses of most proteins, especially from recombinant materials. This includes smaller peptides, polypeptides, proteins, antibodies and all types of protein or antibody-conjugates (antibody-enzyme, protein-fluorescent probe, antibody-drug and so forth). This entire Topical Issue of Journal of Chromatography emphasizes the application of chromatography and electrophoresis to protein analysis. This particular review deals with approaches to the selective tagging or labeling of proteins at trace (minute) levels, again using either chromatography or electrophoresis, with the emphasis on modern HPLC/HPCE methods and approaches. We discuss here both pre- and post-column labeling methods and reagents, techniques for realizing selective labeling of proteins or antibodies, applicable approaches to protein preconcentration in both HPLC and HPCE areas and in general, methods for improving (lowering) detection limits for proteins utilizing chemical or physical derivatization and/or preconcentration techniques. There are really two major goals or emphases in that which follows: (1) methods for selective labeling of proteins prior to or after HPLC/HPCE and (2) labeling of proteins at trace levels for improved separation-detection and lowered detection limits. We discuss here a large number of specific references related to both pre- and post-column/capillary derivatizations for proteins, as well as methods for improved detectability in both HPLC and HPCE by, for example, analyte preconcentration on a solid-phase extractor or membrane support, capillary isotachophoresis and other methods. Selective reactions or derivatizations on proteins refers to the ability to tag the protein at specific (e.g. reactive amino sites) in a controlled manner, with the products having the same number of tags all at the very same site or sites. The products are all the same species, having the same number of tags at the same locations on the protein. Selective reactions can also refer to the idea of tagging all of the protein sample at only a single, same site or at all available sites, homogeneously.