Editorial
, Volume: 23( 1)Capillary Electrophoresis: Principles, Advantages, and Analytical Applications.
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a highly efficient separation technique that utilizes an electric field to separate analytes based on their charge-to-size ratio within narrow capillaries. Known for its exceptional resolution, minimal sample consumption, and rapid analysis time, CE has become an indispensable tool in analytical chemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sciences. This article provides an overview of the fundamental principles of capillary electrophoresis, discusses its operational mechanisms, and highlights its advantages and diverse applications in modern scientific research. Keywords Capillary electrophoresis, electrophoretic mobility, electroosmotic flow, separation techniques, analytical chemistry, high-resolution analysis
Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis is a powerful analytical separation technique that relies on the migration of charged species through a narrow-bore capillary under the influence of a high electric field. The separation of analytes is primarily governed by their electrophoretic mobility, which depends on their charge, size, and shape. Additionally, electroosmotic flow (EOF), a bulk flow of liquid generated by the applied electric field, plays a crucial role in transporting analytes through the capillary. The interplay between electrophoretic mobility and EOF creates distinct migration times for different species, allowing highly efficient separation within minutes. CE has gained significant attention due to its ability to achieve high-resolution separations with minimal sample and solvent requirements. The technique operates in capillaries typically made of fused silica with inner diameters ranging from 25 to 100 micrometers. These narrow capillaries reduce band broadening, enhance heat dissipation, and allow the application of high voltages, leading to faster analysis and improved separation performance. Unlike conventional chromatographic methods, CE does not rely heavily on stationary phases, giving it a unique advantage in analyzing a wide range of analytes, including ions, small organic molecules, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and complex biological samples. Citation: Adrian Mitchell. Advances and Applications of Chromatography in Modern Analytical Chemistry. Anal Chem Ind J.. 3(3):132. 1 © 2021 Trade Science Inc. www.tsijournals.com | December-2021 Several operational modes of CE have been developed to accommodate different analytical needs, including capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), and capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF). These variations enhance CE’s ability to separate both charged and neutral species, increase selectivity, and provide powerful tools for biomolecular analysis. The development of laser-induced fluorescence detectors, UV–Vis detectors, conductivity detectors, and mass spectrometry coupling has expanded the range and sensitivity of CE-based analyses. Capillary electrophoresis offers numerous advantages compared to traditional separation techniques. Its fast analysis times, high efficiency, and minimal reagent consumption make it environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The technique requires extremely small sample volumes, often in the nanoliter range, making it ideal for precious or limited biological samples. CE is widely used in pharmaceutical analysis for purity testing, chiral separations, impurity profiling, and drug development studies. In biotechnology, it plays a crucial role in DNA sequencing, protein characterization, and analysis of biomolecular interactions. Environmental scientists utilize CE to detect pollutants, heavy metals, and organic contaminants in water and soil samples. dvancements in microchip electrophoresis have further extended the capabilities of CE by integrating multiple analytical steps—such as sample preparation, separation, and detection—onto a single miniaturized platform. These lab-on-a-chip devices offer unparalleled speed, portability, and automation for point-of-care testing, forensic analysis, and field-based environmental monitoring. In addition, the coupling of CE with mass spectrometry (CE-MS) has opened new avenues for highly sensitive and detailed structural analysis of complex molecules. Capillary electrophoresis continues to evolve as an essential analytical technique due to its high efficiency, versatility, and compatibility with modern detection technologies. Its role in advancing scientific research, improving clinical diagnostics, and enhancing industrial quality control underscores its importance in the landscape of analytical chemistry. Conclusion Capillary electrophoresis stands as one of the most powerful and versatile separation techniques in modern analytical science. Its ability to achieve rapid, high-resolution separations using minimal sample and reagent volumes has made it indispensable across diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, and forensic analysis. The continuous development of new CE modes, microchip technologies, and hyphenated detection methods ensures that CE will remain a key technique in addressing complex analytical challenges. As scientific research and technological innovations progress, capillary electrophoresis will continue to play a pivotal role in delivering accurate, efficient, and sustainable analytical solutions.
