Diagnostic applications of chromatography and capillary electrophoresis

Protein profile pattern analysis: A multifarious, in vitro diagnosis technique for universal screening

Universal health care is attracting increased attention nowadays, because of the large increase in population all over the world, and a similar increase in life expectancy, leading to an increase in the incidence of non-communicable (various cancers, coronary diseases, neurological and old-age-related diseases) and communicable diseases/pandemics like SARS-COVID 19. This has led to an immediate need for a healthcare technology that should be cost-effective and accessible to all. A technology being considered as a possible one at present is liquid biopsy, which looks for markers in readily available samples like body fluids which can be accessed non- or minimally- invasive manner. Two approaches are being tried now towards this objective. The first involves the identification of suitable, specific markers for each condition, using established methods like various Mass Spectroscopy techniques (Surface-Enhanced Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectroscopy (SELDI-MS), Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI-MS), etc., immunoassays (Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA), Proximity Extension Assays, etc.) and separation methods like 2-Dimensional Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (2-D PAGE), Sodium Dodecyl-Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), etc. In the second approach, no attempt is made the identification of specific markers; rather an efficient separation method like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/ Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC/UPLC) is used to separate the protein markers, and a profile of the protein pattern is recorded, which is analysed by Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (MI) methods to derive characteristic patterns and use them for identifying the disease condition. The present report gives a summary of the current status of these two approaches and compares the two in the use of their suitability for universal healthcare.

Establishment of Reference Intervals for Serum Protein Electrophoresis of Apparently Healthy Adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Even though several factors affect reference intervals (RIs), company-derived values are currently in use in many laboratories worldwide. However, few or no data are available regarding serum proteins RIs, especially in resource-limited countries such as Ethiopia.

Objective

To establish RIs for serum protein electrophoresis of apparently healthy adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 297 apparently healthy adults from April to October 2019 in four selected sub-cities (Akaki, Kirkos, Arada, and Yeka) of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Laboratory analysis of collected samples was performed using the Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing analyzer, while statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 23 and Med-Calc software. The Mann-Whitney test was used to check partitions. A non-parametric method of reference range establishment was performed as per CLSI guideline EP28A3C.

Results

The established RIs were: albumin 53.83-64.59%, 52.24-63.55%; alpha-1 globulin 3.04-5.40%, 3.44-5.60%; alpha-2 globulin 8.0-12.67%, 8.44-12.87%; and beta-1 globulin 5.01-7.38%, 5.14-7.86%. Moreover, the albumin to globulin ratios were 1.16-1.8 and 1.09-1.74 for males and females, respectively. The combined RIs for beta-2 globulin and gamma globulin were 2.54-4.90% and 12.40-21.66%, respectively.

Conclusion

The established reference interval for serum protein fractions revealed gender-specific differences, except for beta-2 globulin and gamma globulin.

Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry for Metabolomics: Possibilities and Perspectives

Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) is a very useful analytical technique for the selective and highly efficient profiling of polar and charged metabolites in a wide range of biological samples. Compared to other analytical techniques, the use of CE-MS in metabolomics is relatively low as the approach is still regarded as technically challenging and not reproducible. In this chapter, the possibilities of CE-MS for metabolomics are highlighted with special emphasis on the use of recently developed interfacing designs. The utility of CE-MS for targeted and untargeted metabolomics studies is demonstrated by discussing representative and recent examples in the biomedical and clinical fields. The potential of CE-MS for large-scale and quantitative metabolomics studies is also addressed. Finally, some general conclusions and perspectives are given on this strong analytical separation technique for probing the polar metabolome.

Technical note: Capillary electrophoresis as a rapid test for the quantification of immunoglobulin G in serum of newborn lambs

Finding a rapid and simple method of serum IgG determination in lambs is essential for monitoring failure of passive transfer of immunity. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of capillary electrophoresis (CE), an instrument mainly used in blood serum protein analysis, to estimate IgG content in serum of newborn lambs through determination of only total Ig percentage by comparing the results with those obtained with radial immunodiffusion (RID), the reference method for serum IgG quantification. Serum samples were collected at 24 h after birth from 40 Sarda lambs. The IgG concentration measured by RID and serum total Ig concentration measured by CE were (mean ± standard deviation) 29.8 ± 16.1 g/L and 37.8 ± 15.0%, respectively. Data provided by RID and CE analysis showed a polynomial trend (RID = 0.02CE² - 0.04CE + 4.13; coefficient of determination, R² = 0.96), displaying a strong relationship between these 2 methods. Applying the polynomial equation, the IgG values were predicted. Predicted IgG values were highly correlated (r = 0.98) and related (R² = 0.96) to IgG values obtained by RID assay. These data were subjected to Bland-Altman analysis, revealing a high level of agreement between CE and RID methods with a bias that was not different from 0 (-0.04 g/L) and agreement limits of -6.38 g/L (low) and +6.30 g/L (high). In addition, the linear regression analysis between differences (dependent variable) and average of IgG concentration by CE and RID (independent variable) did not show proportional bias (R² = 0.01). In conclusion, CE is a reliable instrument for a lamb health monitoring program, where Bland-Altman analysis also confirmed that the CE method can be a suitable alternative to RID.

Advances in capillary electrophoresis for the life sciences

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) played an important role in developments in the life sciences. The technique is nowadays used for the analysis of both large and small molecules in applications where it performs better than or is complementary to liquid chromatographic techniques. In this review, principles of different electromigration techniques, especially capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF), capillary gel (CGE) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), are described and recent developments in instrumentation, with an emphasis on mass spectrometry (MS) coupling and microchip CE, are discussed. The role of CE in the life sciences is shown with applications in which it had a high impact over the past few decades. In this context, current practice for the characterization of biopharmaceuticals (therapeutic proteins) is shown with CIEF, CGE and CZE using different detection techniques, including MS. Subsequently, the application of CGE and CZE, in combination with laser induced fluorescence detection and CZE-MS are demonstrated for the analysis of protein-released glycans in the characterization of biopharmaceuticals and glycan biomarker discovery in biological samples. Special attention is paid to developments in capillary coatings and derivatization strategies for glycans. Finally, routine CE analysis in clinical chemistry and latest developments in metabolomics approaches for the profiling of small molecules in biological samples are discussed. The large number of CE applications published for these topics in recent years clearly demonstrates the established role of CE in life sciences.

Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry for Clinical Metabolomics

In clinical metabolomics, capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) has become a very useful technique for the analysis of highly polar and charged metabolites in complex biologic samples. A comprehensive overview of recent developments in CE-MS for metabolic profiling studies is presented. This review covers theory, CE separation modes, capillary coatings, and practical aspects of CE-MS coupling. Attention is also given to sample pretreatment and data analysis strategies used for metabolomics. The applicability of CE-MS for clinical metabolomics is illustrated using samples ranging from plasma and urine to cells and tissues. CE-MS application to large-scale and quantitative clinical metabolomics is addressed. Conclusions and perspectives on this unique analytic strategy are presented.

CE – a multifunctional application for clinical diagnosis

CE has been used widely as an analytical tool with high separation power taking advantage of size, charge-to-size ratio, or isoelectric point of various analytes. In combination with detection methods, such as UV absorption, electrochemical detection, fluorescence, or mass spectrometry (MS), it allows the separation and detection of inorganic and organic ions, as well as complex compounds, such as polypeptides, nucleic acids, including PCR amplicons from viruses or bacteria. Recent interest in identification of biomarkers of diseases using body fluids leads to development of CE-MS techniques. These applications allowed identification of new potential biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic interventions. In this report, we present a technical overview of various CE techniques and discuss their applications in clinical medicine.

Sodium glycylglycine as effective electrolyte run buffer for ascorbic and uric acid separation by CZE: A comparison with two other CE assays

A new CE method for ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) detection in human plasma has been developed. Analytes were resolved in less than 4 min by employing sodium glycylglycine (Glygly) as electrolyte run buffer at pH 8.0. Using the diode array detector ability to measure multiple wavelengths simultaneously, detection was optimized by monitoring the run at 262 nm for AA and at 288 nm for UA. Electrophoretic parameters such as resolution, migration times, efficiency, and peak areas of this new method were compared to those obtained by the two CE assays described in literature, in which the analytes separation was achieved by using sodium borate (that allows faster migration times but poor resolution) or tricine (with the highest resolution but elevated migration times) as electrolyte run buffer. Sodium Glygly allows to obtain the same good resolution given by the tricine buffer but with the faster analysis times of the sodium borate run buffer. Ascorbate and urate levels were measured in 35 healthy volunteers by the three methods and the obtained data were compared by three different statistical tests (mountain plot, Passing-Bablok regression, and Bland-Altman test) in order to verify the accuracy of our proposed method.

Analysis of carboxylic acids in biological fluids by capillary electrophoresis

This review article addresses the different capillary electrophoretic methods that are being used for the study of both short-chain organic acids (including anionic catecholamine metabolites) and fatty acids in biological samples. This work intends to provide an updated overview (including works published until November 2004) on the recent methodological developments and applications of such procedures together with their main advantages and drawbacks. Moreover, the usefulness of CE analysis of organic acids to study and/or monitor different diseases such as diabetes, new-borns diseases or metabolism disorders is examined. The use of microchip devices and CE-MS couplings for organic acid analysis is also discussed.

Micellar electrokinetic chromatographic and capillary zone electrophoretic methods for screening urinary biomarkers of human disorders: a critical review of the state-of-the-art

Human urine plays a central role in clinical diagnostic being one of the most-frequently used body fluid for detection of biological markers. Samples from patients with different diseases display patterns of biomarkers that differ significantly from those obtained from healthy subjects. The availability of fast, reproducible, and easy-to-apply analytical techniques that would allow identification of a large number of these analytes is thus highly desiderable since they may provide detailed information about the progression of a pathological process. From among the variety of methods so far applied for the determination of urinary metabolites, capillary electrophoresis, both in the capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) modes, represents a robust and reliable analytical tool widely used in this area. The aim of the present article is to focus the interest of the reader on recent applications of MEKC and CZE in the field of urinary biomarkers and to discuss advantages and/or limitations of each mode.

Evaluation of diabetes-related short-chain organic acids in rat plasma by capillary electrophoresis

A capillary zone electrophoresis method was optimised to analyse low-molecular-mass organic acids for the purpose of monitoring diabetes in rat plasma. The method included acetoacetic, 2-hydroxybutyric, lactic and uric acids. A variation in the background electrolyte allowed us to measure pyruvic acid in the same sample. Conditions have been optimised for measuring a large number of plasma samples corresponding to control and diabetic rats. Samples were mixed with acetonitrile (1:1, v/v) to precipitate proteins, centrifuged, diluted and injected. Tropic acid was chosen as an adequate internal standard. Separation was developed with reversed voltage by using a column cartridge pre-treated with polyacrylamide. Two electrophoretic buffers were employed: 0.150 M H3PO4 made up pH 6.20 with NaOH and 0.3 mM CaCl2 for acetoacetic, hydroxybutyric, lactic and uric acids, and 200 mM phosphate-10 mM acetate pH 4.0 for pyruvic acid, both with direct detection at 200 nm. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy and precision and the limits of quantification were calculated. The method was successfully applied to analyse these organic acids in control and diabetic animals. Acetoacetic and hydroxybutyric acids were clearly increased in diabetic rats, meanwhile no statistically significant difference has been found with the other acids.

Importance of the counterion in optimization of a borate electrolyte system for analyses of anions in samples with complex matrices performed by capillary zone electrophoresis

Borate buffers are common background electrolytes for analyses of anions in capillary zone electrophoresis. Usually, sodium borate at a given pH is used and this specification seems to be sufficient for a successful analysis. In this paper, we show that free migration of OH(-) may deteriorate the analysis of a typical anionic analysis of clinical samples due to uncontrolled migration of OH(-) throughout the systems of analyzed zones and may damage the stacking of anionic analytes of interest. We have proven that the use of ammonium borate may remedy the situation where the presence of ammonium may selectively stop the free migration of OH(-) ions, slow down their effective mobility and bring their safe behavior resulting in reproducible stacking of clinically important anions. Results of real analyses of human serum samples confirmed the proposed method and proved that substitution of sodium for ammonium in borate buffers offers reliable analyses of clinical samples having chloride as the bulk component. The experimental results given in this paper are supported also by computer simulation, which can not only support the positive results but also show the dynamics of the separation that is otherwise hidden to any detection possibilities.

Optimization of ascorbic and uric acid separation in human plasma by free zone capillary electrophoresis ultraviolet detection

In this paper we propose a new fast free zone capillary electrophoresis method for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) in human plasma. We investigated the effect of analytical parameters, such as concentration and pH of borate running buffer, cartridge temperature, and sample treatment, on resolution, migration times, corrected peak areas, and efficiency. A good separation was achieved using a 60.2-cmx75-microm uncoated silica capillary and 100 mmol/L sodium borate buffer, pH 8, when metaphosphoric acid was employed as protein precipitant, in less than 4 min. These conditions gave a good reproducibility of migration times (CV 0.35 and 0.34%) and peak areas (CV 3.2 and 3.1%) for ascorbate and urate, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.5mg/L for both analytes when the detection was performed at 254 nm for AA and at 292 nm for UA. We compared the present method with a validated capillary electrophoresis assay by measuring plasma urate and ascorbate in 32 normal subjects and the obtained data were analyzed by the Passing and Bablok regression.

Capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection for laboratory diagnosis of galactosemia

Galactosemia, a metabolic disorder associated with the intolerance to dietary galactose due to an inherited enzymatic deficiency, is indicated by heightened levels of galactose in urine (galactosuria). In this report, capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser-induced fluorescence detection was evaluated for its ability to screen urinary carbohydrates, particularly galactose. Neonatal urine samples with normal and abnormal levels of galactose were analyzed with galactose concentrations quantitated relative to urinary creatinine concentrations to account for variable urinary dilution. Analysis of nine samples by CE in a single-blind manner defined four as negative (normal) and five as positive for galactosuria with galactose levels as high as 146.8 +/- 5.9 mM. Galactosuria was correlated with clinical galactosemia diagnoses for four of the positive samples, while the remaining positive was associated with a patient diagnosed with Hurler's syndrome.

Capillary electrophoresis for the determination of organic acidurias in body fluids: a review

A systematic review of the literature on capillary electrophoresis applied to short chain organic acid analysis in body fluids has been conducted with special interest on those acids related to inborn errors of metabolism. The technique is briefly described, as well as the choice of the main analytical parameters: sample pre-treatment, polarity, capillary type, background electrolyte, and detection. The applications described in the literature are listed and the main features of the technique are discussed.

Capillary electrophoresis for short-chain organic acids and inorganic anions in different samples

This review article is a comprehensive survey of capillary electrophoresis methods developed for the measurement of short-chain organic acids and inorganic anions in a wide variety of matrices, such as food and beverages, environmental, industry, and other applications, as well as clinical applications in body fluids such as urine, plasma or cerebrospinal fluid. Details of sample pretreatment and of electrophoretic conditions have been collected in tables, arranged by the type of matrix. Strategies employed for method development for the analysis of these compounds by capillary electrophoresis in real samples are discussed.

Capillary zone electrophoresis in wide bore capillary tubes with fiber-coupled diode array detection

This feasibility study deals with the use of a wide bore (320 microm I.D.) capillary tube for the detection and identification of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) analytes by optical fiber-coupled diode array detection. A 250-microm mean effective pathlength of the detection cell with an inherently enhanced photon flux through the cell were significant contributors in reaching 0.2-1 micromol/l concentration detectabilities of the CZE analytes by this combination. Experiments with model analytes (p-sulfanilic, sorbic and naphthalene-2-sulfonic acids, tryptophan and asulam) revealed that spectral confirmations of their identities were still possible when their concentrations in the loaded samples (200 nl) were 1-5 micromol/l. Here, chemometry procedures (target transformation factor analysis, fixed size moving window-target transformation factor analysis, fixed size moving window-evolving factor analysis and orthogonal projection approach) employed in the data processing effectively contributed to reliable confirmation of the identities of the analytes also in critical situations (e.g. peak overlaps). The CZE separations were carried out in tandem-coupled columns of identical I.D. This made it possible to use, in the first column of the tandem, carrier electrolyte solutions that provide the desired separative effects, while in the second (detection) column the compositions of the carrier electrolyte solutions employed could reflect favorable conditions for obtaining spectral data. Mixtures containing model constituents at significantly differing concentrations and Maillard's reaction products spiked with tryptophan enantiomers were employed in experiments aimed at assessing practical applicabilities and limits of the present approach to the analysis of samples characterized by complex ionic matrices.

Determination of orotic acid in urine by capillary zone electrophoresis in tandem-coupled columns with diode array detection

Analytical potentialities of capillary zone electrophoresis in the separation system with tandem-coupled columns to the spectral identification and determination of orotic acid (OA) in urine by diode array detection (DAD), coupled to the separation system via optical fibers, were investigated. A very significant "in-column" clean-up of OA from urine matrix was reached in the separation stage of the tandem by combining a low pH (2.8) with complexing effects of electroneutral agents [alpha- and beta-cyclodextrins, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and 3-(N,N-dimethyldodecylammonio)propanesulfonate]. Due to this, its DAD spectral data could be acquired in the detection stage of the tandem with almost no disturbances by matrix co-migrants. The concentration limits of detection obtained under such working conditions for a 200-nl sample load of OA and 320 microm I.D. capillary tubes were 3.5 micromol/l (218 nm) and 0.4 micromol/l (280 nm). Using chemometry procedures (target transformation factor analysis, fixed size moving window-evolving factor analysis, orthogonal projection approach and fixed size moving window-target transformation factor analysis) in processing of the acquired spectral data, the presence of OA in the loaded urine matrix could be confirmed with confidence when its concentration was 10 micromol/l or slightly less.

Diagnostic value of urinary orotic acid levels: applicable separation methods

Urinary orotic acid determination is a useful tool for screening hereditary orotic aciduria and for differentiating the hyperammonemia disorders which cannot be readily diagnosed by amino acid chromatography, thus reducing the need for enzyme determination in tissue biopsies. This review provides an overview of metabolic aberrations that may be related to increased orotic acid levels in urine, and summarises published methods for separation, identification and quantitative determination of orotic acid in urine samples. Applications of high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis to the analysis of urinary specimens are described. The advantages and limitations of these separation and identification methodologies as well as other less frequently employed techniques are assessed and discussed.

Identifying bacteria in human urine: current practice and the potential for rapid, near-patient diagnosis by sensing volatile organic compounds

Urinary tract infection (UTI) represents a significant burden for the National Health Service. Extensive research has been directed towards rapid detection of UTI in the last thirty years. A wide range of microbiological and chemical techniques are now available to identify and quantify bacteria in urine. However, there is a clear and present need for near, rapid, sensitive, reliable analytical methods, preferably with low-running costs, that could allow early detection of UTI and other diseases in urine. Here we review the "state of the art" of current practice for the detection of bacteria in urine and describe the advantages of the recent "e-nose" technology as a potential tool for rapid, near-patient diagnosis of UTI, by sensing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Noncompetitive immunoassay of small analytes at the femtomolar level by affinity probe capillary electrophoresis: direct analysis of digoxin using a uniform-labeled scFv immunoreagent

A general method for noncompetitive immunoassay of small analytes using affinity probe capillary electrophoresis (APCE) is demonstrated using digoxin as a model analyte. A uniform immunoreagent was prepared from a single-chain antibody (scFv) gene specific for digoxin. Site-directed mutagenesis introduced a unique cysteine residue for uniform labeling with a thiol-reactive fluorochrome. After expression in E. coli, the scFv was purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) using an added C-terminal 6-histidine sequence. The protein was renatured and labeled while immobilized on the IMAC resin. After 0.02-microm filtration to remove microaggregates, the resulting reagent was highly uniform and stable at -12 degrees C for at least 1 year. Three formats of APCE using the scFv reagent were explored. A "mix-and-inject" assay optimized for low detection limits demonstrated analysis of 10 pM digoxin in aqueous standard solutions in 10 min. A rapid mix-and-inject format in a short capillary allowed detection of 1 nM digoxin in 1 min. Digoxin samples in serum and urine were injected directly after 10-fold dilution. In combination with solid-phase extraction, 400 fM digoxin was detected in 1 mL of serum. Including solid-phase extraction, reproducibility was within 2.5%, and the linear range was 3 orders of magnitude. The strategy adopted in this paper should be of general use in the low-level analysis of small analytes.

Determination of uremic toxins in biofluids: creatinine, creatine, uric acid and xanthines

Rapid and accurate determination of small molecule metabolic end-products is vital for clinical diagnosis and study of many metabolic disorders and medical abnormalities. Chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques are attractive for clinical analyses because of the inherent ability to analyze multiple component biofluids and determine the analytes of interest with minimal interference from other species. This manuscript reviews recent (1990-present) developments in chromatography and electrophoresis methodology for the determination of creatinine, creatine, uric acid and xanthines in biofluids.

Determination of urinary orotic acid and uracil by capillary zone electrophoresis

We describe a simple method for measuring orotic acid and uracil concentration in urine by capillary zone electrophoresis in 20 mM Na-borate buffer, pH 9.2. The method was applied for studying a patient with HHH (hyperomithinemia, hyperammonemia and homocitrullinuria) syndrome. A high value of uracil excretion was found during periods of relatively low orotic acid excretion and normal ammonemia. The orotic acid level in urine was increased by increasing protein intake.

Capillary electrophoresis in clinical and forensic analysis: recent advances and breakthrough to routine applications

This paper is a comprehensive review article on capillary electrophoresis (CE) in clinical and forensic analysis. It is based upon the literature of 1997 and 1998, presents CE examples in major fields of application, and provides an overview of the key achievements encountered, including those associated with the analysis of drugs, serum proteins, hemoglobin variants, and nucleic acids. For CE in clinical and forensic analysis, the past two years witnessed a breakthrough to routine applications. As most coauthors of this review are associated with diagnostic or forensic laboratories now using CE on a routine basis, this review also contains data from routine applications in drug, protein, and DNA analysis. With the first-hand experience of providing analytical service under stringent quality control conditions, aspects of quality assurance, assay specifications for clinical and forensic CE and the pros and cons of this maturing, cost-and pollution-controlled age technology are also discussed.

Overview of capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography

This paper provides an overview on the current status of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The focus is largely on the current application areas of CE where routine methods are now in place. These application areas include the analysis of DNA, clinical and forensic samples, carbohydrates, inorganic anions and metal ions, pharmaceuticals, enantiomeric species and proteins and peptides. More specific areas such the determination of physical properties, microchip CE and instrumentation developments are also covered. The application, advantages and limitations of CEC are covered. Recent review articles and textbooks are frequently cited to provide readers with a source of information regarding pioneering work and theoretical treatments.

Analysis of diagnostic metabolites by capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry

We describe here a procedure by capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) for the direct analysis of urine samples on diagnostic metabolites, which are present in patient urine with metabolic disorders. The method was demonstrated using urine samples spiked with diagnostic metabolites, including glutathione for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase deficiency, pyroglutamate for generalized glutathione deficiency, adenylosuccinate for adenylosuccinase deficiency, omithine for gyrate atrophy, histidine for histidinemia, and homogentisic acid for alcaptonuria, at concentrations similar to those found in patients' urine. A coaxial sheath liquid flow was used for coupling CE and MS in electrospray ionization mode. Identification of the metabolites is based on their molecular weights and fragmentation patterns. The CE-MS method is highly specific and sensitive comparing to the previously reported method using migration time and UV absorption for identification. It should find broad application in clinical and pharmaceutical research and development.

Analyte identification in capillary electrophoretic separation techniques

A review on applications of on-line hyphenation in capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography for the identification of migrating analytes is presented. There is an urgent need for unambiguous analyte identification by combining spectral information and observed migration times, because the parameters influencing the migration times and separation efficiencies in these separation techniques are not easily controlled, especially when real samples containing unknown interferences have to be analyzed. The spectrometric techniques covered here are ultraviolet and visible radiation (UV/Vis) absorption, fluorescence including fluorescence line-narrowing spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Attention is essentially confined to literature reports in which the extra information provided by the detector is really used for identification purposes, especially in real-life samples, while the interfacing as such and analyte detectabilities in standard solutions are only briefly discussed. This article covers an extensive fraction of the literature published on this topic until the beginning of 1998.

Analysis of compounds containing carboxyl groups in biological fluids by capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is one of the suitable separation techniques used to analyze drugs or metabolites in complicated sample matrices such as plasma, serum and urine. It sometimes requires only a simple process of sample pretreatment, deproteinization, dilution or extraction for biological fluids, otherwise no pretreatment is necessary. Various metabolic disorders concerning the compounds which possess carboxyl groups such as organic acids have been monitored by CE. Drug metabolism in the body can be monitored by the same technique. Recent publications suggest the feasibility of an automated system for diagnosis based on CE technique.

Capillary electrophoresis for rapid profiling of organic acidurias

Organic acids analysis is a powerful technique in the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism. Clinically, patients present with severe symptoms, and early detection and appropriate treatment are often lifesaving. Most of the existing methods are based on gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry and require sophisticated equipment and complex sample pretreatment and derivatization. We propose a rapid, simple, and automated capillary electrophoretic method for routine analysis of urine to detect 27 organic acids related to metabolic diseases. With this method, direct measurements are performed on samples after initial centrifugation and dilution, if needed. Separation is performed in pH 6.0 phosphate buffer with methanol added as an organic modifier, −10 kV applied potential, and ultraviolet detection at 200 nm. The assay is completed in <15 min, and alternative separation conditions are proposed in case of overlapping peaks. The developed method allows the identification and quantitation of methylmalonic, pyroglutamic, and glutaric acids in samples of patients with diseases related to these acids.

Clinical analysis of human urinary proteins using high resolution electrophoretic methods

The application of isoelectric focusing (IEF), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) for high resolution electrophoretic analysis of human urinary proteins is reviewed. In each case, the information is tabulated chronologically with details of sample preparation, electrophoretic system, detection method and clinical application. The text includes an historical perspective of the use of each method for urinalysis and a detailed review of the application of the methods to the investigation of renal disease, renal transplantation, Bence Jones proteinuria (BJP), diabetes mellitus, cadmium toxicity, nephrolithiasis and cancers of the urogenital tract.

Capillary electrophoresis for diagnosis of metabolic disease

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) equipped with a diode-array detector have been used to determine diagnostic metabolites occurring in urine of patients with various diseases. The urine samples were injected directly onto the CE instrument without any pretreatment. Identification of abnormal metabolites was based on relative migration times and characteristic diode-array spectra. The CE-method readily diagnosed alkaptonuria, neuroblastoma and liver failure due to galactosemia. The simple and automated CE method appears to be suitable for implementation as a screening test in analytical systems aimed at diagnosis of metabolic disorders.