DETECTION OF CARBOHYDRATES IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS

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