High-performance capillary electrophoresis in the pharmaceutical sciences

High-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) is a new separation technique that is applied in the pharmaceutical sciences. Separations by HPCE occur in a narrow-bore capillary under the influence of an applied electrical field. Components of the sample matrix are separated and migrate at different rates based on physicochemical properties, including ionic charge, charge to mass ratio, lipid solubility, and spatial orientation. Detection is achieved through an on-line capillary detection window. The technique has several advantages, such as rapid analysis times, automation, and minute sample volume requirements. However, a significant disadvantage of HPCE is the high concentration limit of detection. Although HPCE will not displace traditional separation techniques, it will add another dimension to existing laboratories.