SEPARATION AND DETECTION OF AMINO-ACIDS AND THEIR ENANTIOMERS BY CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS - A REVIEW

Since its introduction as an analytical technique capillary electropho resis has been used for the separation of amino acids and their enanti omers; over 150 studies have been published to date. This review deals with their separation and detection. Amino acids have been resolved u sing both capillary zone electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic c hromatography. Pre-column derivatization schemes which are employed fo r the sensitive detection of amino acids are discussed. Criteria for t he selection of the pre- or post-column derivatizing agent, chromophor e or fluorophore, are presented. Detection systems, direct and indirec t, that have been used are given with emphasis on fluorogenic reagents and laser induced fluorescence detection. Also, procedures for the se paration of amino acid enantiomers are discussed and illustrated.