Detection of carbohydrates in capillary electrophoresis

This review focuses on recent developments in sensitive detection modes for carbohydrates after separation by capillary electrophoretic methods. To bring detection sensitivity for carbohydrates analysis in line with current methods in protein sequencing, concentration detection limits of 10(-6) molar or better are required. A discussion of mass detection limits and concentration detection limits is followed by an overview of detection modes for natural and labeled carbohydrates. Amperometric detection and UV and laser-induced fluorescence detection after reductive amination, in particular with 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (ANTS), are discussed in more detail. Finally, the paper outlines developments to be expected in the near future, focusing on the needs in glycobiology such as improved sensitivity and selectivity.