Electromolecular propulsion (EMP): a rapid, simple method for analyzing dyes used in microscopy

The electrokinetic molecular effect known as electromolecular propulsion (EMP) was used to examine a variety of commonly used dyes that are used as biological stains. The dyes were electrokinetically mobilized using several organic solvent mixtures on a variety of thin layer substrates. Analysis was completed in seconds to minutes. Nearly all dyes tested separated into multiple colored components. The solvents and substrates used were well suited for qualitatively analyzing a broad variety of hydrophilic and lipophilic colorants. Speed, resolving power and operational simplicity of this technique make it convenient for effectively "fingerprinting" for consistency in dye products. EMP may be broadly applied to study quality control of dyes and their stains. Components not ordinarily known to be present can be readily detected using this technology. EMP can complement or offer a versatile alternative to existing analytical methods.