HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

High-performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) is a new separation technique that is applied in the pharmaceutical sciences. Separations by HPCE occur in a narrow-bore capillary under the influence of an app lied electrical field. Components of the sample matrix are separated a nd migrate at different rates based on physicochemical properties, inc luding ionic charge, charge to mass ratio, lipid solubility, and spati al orientation. Detection is achieved through an on-line capillary det ection window. The technique has several advantages, such as rapid ana lysis times, automation, and minute sample volume requirements. Howeve r, a significant disadvantage of HPCE is the high concentration limit of detection. Although HPCE will not displace traditional separation t echniques, it will add another dimension to existing laboratories.