REAL-TIME FLUORESCENCE IMAGING OF ISOTACHOPHORETIC PRECONCENTRATION FOR CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS

Real-time studies of the dynamic processes that take place during isot achophoresis (ITP) were performed, The experimental arrangement utiliz ed was a real-time fluorescence imaging system based on a dye laser at 488 nm, pumped by a XeCl excimer laser, Fluorescence emitted from the migrating sample molecules was recorded by an image-intensified, ther moelectrically cooled CCD camera. The camera signals were processed by a computer and displayed on a screen in real time, allowing the ITP c oncentration to be monitored continuously. Real-time analysis provided additional information concerning ITP hardly obtainable using convent ional detection systems or by theoretical calculations. Such experimen tal data can be evaluated and be compared with theoretical calculation s, Information obtained by this detection technique is useful if ITP i s to be used, for example as an on-line preconcentration technique in combination with capillary zone electrophoresis.