The on-line preconcentration of nanoparticles in electromigration techniques

Electromigration techniques have recently emerged as an alternative analytical tool for nanoparticles characterization. Due to the high throughput capability and separation efficiency their application for detection/quantification of nanomaterials in samples of various origin has attracted much attention. While the electromigration techniques are known to suffer from insufficient detection sensitivity, a number of papers investigating on-line preconcentration of nanoparticles in capillary electrophoresis was addressed to the issue. In this work the available literature on nanoparticles stacking in electrodriven separation techniques was reviewed. The discussion was supported by theoretical background. A special emphasis was put on the stability of nanoparticles dispersion during electrophoretic process. The considerations on future perspectives were included in final remarks.