capillaryelektroforeesilla

Capillary elektroforeesilla, often abbreviated as CE, is a powerful analytical technique used for the separation of charged molecules. It operates by applying a high voltage across a narrow, fused-silica capillary filled with an electrolyte buffer. When a sample is injected into the capillary, its charged components migrate at different velocities under the influence of the electric field, leading to their separation.

The separation mechanism in CE is driven by two primary forces: electrophoresis and electroosmotic flow. Electrophoresis refers to the movement of charged analytes in the electric field, with the direction and speed determined by the analyte's charge and size, as well as the viscosity of the buffer. Electroosmotic flow (EOF) is the bulk movement of the buffer solution within the capillary, typically towards the cathode, due to the negatively charged inner surface of the silica capillary. The net migration velocity of an analyte is the sum of its electrophoretic velocity and the EOF velocity.

Various modes of capillary electrophoresis exist, each tailored for specific applications. Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE) is the most common mode, separating analytes based on their differences in electrophoretic mobility. Capillary Gel Electrophoresis (CGE) uses a gel matrix within the capillary to further resolve molecules based on size, similar to gel electrophoresis in a slab format. Capillary Isoelectric Focusing (cIEF) separates molecules based on their isoelectric points (pI) in a pH gradient. Capillary Isotachophoresis (CITP) utilizes leading and terminating electrolytes to concentrate analytes.

CE offers several advantages, including high separation efficiency, low sample and reagent consumption, and rapid analysis times. Its versatility allows for the analysis of a wide range of compounds, from small ions and amino acids to large biomolecules like proteins and nucleic acids. Applications are found in diverse fields such as pharmaceuticals, environmental analysis, forensics, and biochemistry.