CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a versatile micro/macroanalytical te chnique gaining widespread usage for the separation and analysis of io nic substances. It has captured the attention of those working in a va riety of arenas focused on biologically-active molecules. Its appealin g characteristics include unprecedented mass sensitivity and the abili ty for precise, automated electrophoretic separation of microvolume sa mples with relatively short analysis times. Such versatility in bioana lysis makes it an inviting replacement for some of the labor-intensive , time-consuming methodologies performed via electrophoretic gels. Mor eover, CE compliments the ease and speed of HPLC while eliminating the problem of excessive solvent volume usage and hazardous waste disposa l. Further attractive characteristics of this technology include the a nalyses of a diverse spectrum of analytes, ranging from small organic ions to macromolecular protein complexes and DNA. While combining some of the most robust aspects of traditional electrophoresis, chromatogr aphy, and capillary technology, recent CE research and development has focused on avenues leading to improving detection and understanding a nd employing the basic chemistry of CE vis-a-vis new applications.