Improving separation optimization in capillary electrophoresis by using a general quality criterion.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Separation Science

Background:

• Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a powerful separation technique.
• Optimizing CE separations, especially for complex mixtures, remains challenging.
• Existing methods may not fully account for all factors influencing separation efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the use of the quality criterion t' for optimizing CE separations.
• To introduce a global multicriterium optimization function T' for complex mixtures.
• To demonstrate the applicability and versatility of T' for selecting optimal separation conditions.

Main Methods:

• The theoretical parameter t' was extended to a global function T'.
• T' was applied using electrophoretic mobility (m_e) as a variable to optimize pH for separating amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide fragments.
• The method was validated using calculated charge-to-mass ratios for ionizable compounds and applied to harmala alkaloids (HAlks) and quinolone antibiotics.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated the applicability of T' for optimizing pH in CE separations.
• Showcased the versatility of T' by using calculated charge-to-mass ratios, avoiding experimental measurements.
• Successfully validated T' for separating Aβ peptide fragments, HAlks, and quinolone antibiotics.

Conclusions:

• The T' function provides a rapid, simple, and reliable method for optimizing CE separations.
• T' is effective for complex mixtures and can utilize theoretical parameters, enhancing its applicability.
• This approach offers a robust tool for analytical chemists in various fields.