Improving resolution for channel-format chip-based electrophoresis with electrochemical array detection

Resolution in channel electrophoresis has been improved by means of the addition of a surfactant to the running buffer and minimization of the channel internal height and sampling capillary internal diameter. Micellar electrokinetic channel chromatography with electrochemical detection has been applied to the separation of several cationic catecholamines and has been used to continuously monitor a dynamic system of dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. Resolution was also enhanced by coupling small internal-diameter (5 microm) sampling capillaries with sub-micrometer internal-height separation channels. The improvements in resolution offered by these methods will extend the applicability of channel electrophoresis with electrochemical detection to more complex samples while permitting sample volumes in the nL range to be probed.