Capillary Electrophoresis With Contactless Conductivity Detection for Pharmaceutical Analysis: A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Analysis

Background:

• Capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D) is a sensitive, versatile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly technique.
• Its development includes advanced designs enhancing detection principles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate pharmaceutical applications of CE-C4D.
• To provide a comparative resource for researchers on background electrolyte (BGE) compositions and limits of detection (LODs).

Main Methods:

• Review of pharmaceutical applications of CE-C4D.
• Analysis of CE-C4D fundamentals and development stages.
• Compilation of BGE compositions and LODs in summary tables.

Main Results:

• CE-C4D enables universal and direct analysis of UV-active and non-UV-active compounds.
• It offers advantages in portability and miniaturization compared to conventional detectors.
• Key applications include API quantification, chiral separations, counter-ion analysis, and impurity profiling.

Conclusions:

• CE-C4D is a valuable tool for pharmaceutical analysis due to its sensitivity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness.
• Method optimization, particularly BGE selection, is critical for successful application.
• The technique presents a compelling alternative to traditional detection methods like UV, fluorescence, and MS.