Capillary zone electrophoresis of pharmaceutical peptides

In peptide analysis, capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) gives complementary information to that obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary isotachophoresis. However, a prerequisite for the implementation of CZE for routine quality control purposes is a simple strategy quickly leading to an adequate separation system. A general approach towards the set-up of such systems is presented. A broad range of peptides were used as representative models, viz., adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), the modified ACTH fragment Org 2766, endorphins, cholecystokinin and fragments thereof. In general, the pH and the concentration of the applied electrophoresis buffers are the most important parameters to be considered in the CZE of pharmaceutical peptides.