Recent Advances in Trace Bioanalysis by Capillary Electrophoresis

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Single cell analysis is crucial for understanding cellular heterogeneity.
• High technical expertise and sensitive systems are required for single cell analysis.
• Capillary/microchip electrophoresis (CE/MCE) excels in separating biomolecules from trace samples like single cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in CE/MCE-based trace bioanalysis.
• To provide an overview of CE/MCE principles and sensitivity enhancement techniques.
• To discuss applications, challenges, and future directions in single cell analysis using CE/MCE.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing capillary/microchip electrophoresis (CE/MCE) for high-resolution separation of biomolecules.
• Employing highly sensitive detectors like laser-induced fluorescence and nano-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry.
• Integrating online sample preconcentration techniques to enhance detection sensitivity for zeptomole (zmol) level analytes.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful single cell analysis of metabolites, proteins, and lipids using CE/MCE.
• Achieved detection of zmol level analytes through sensitive detection and preconcentration methods.
• Highlighted the compatibility of CE/MCE with nL-scale solutions and trace samples.

Conclusions:

• CE/MCE is a powerful technique for sensitive single cell bioanalysis.
• Advancements in CE/MCE have enabled detailed analysis of cellular components.
• Future prospects include further enhancing sensitivity and expanding applications in trace bioanalysis.