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Capillary electrophoresis: a powerful microanalytical technique for biologically active molecules
J P Landers1, R P Oda, T C Spelsberg
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Biotechniques
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) offers high sensitivity for analyzing biomolecules. Advanced detection methods like laser-induced fluorescence significantly boost sensitivity for peptides, proteins, and DNA analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a powerful microanalytical technique widely used for separating biomolecules.
- CE offers high sensitivity, automation, and rapid analysis of small sample volumes.
- Traditional UV detection in CE reaches picomole-femtomole sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the enhanced sensitivity of CE through advanced detection methods.
- To discuss the application of CE in analyzing various biomolecules.
- To outline current research directions in CE technology.
Main Methods:
- Capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled with UV detection.
- Interfacing CE with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection.
- Analysis of biomolecules such as peptides, proteins, and DNA.
Main Results:
- UV-CE achieves picomole-femtomole sensitivity.
- Laser-induced fluorescence detection extends CE sensitivity to the attomole-zeptomole range.
- Fluorescence detection demonstrates significant potential for analyzing diverse biomolecules.
Conclusions:
- CE is a versatile technique for biomolecule analysis, especially with enhanced detection.
- Laser-induced fluorescence dramatically improves CE sensitivity for trace analysis.
- Ongoing research focuses on improving CE detection, chemistry, and applications.