CONSTRUCTION OF TIME-RESOLVED FLUORESCENCE DETECTOR FOR AMINO-COMPOUNDS AFTER HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY USING EUROPIUM CHELATE

We have constructed a simple, low-cost, time-resolved fluorescence det ector (TRFD) for analysis of amino compounds with high-performance liq uid chromatography using europium (Eu3+) chelates, which consists of a dc-operated xenon lamp, two synchronized mechanical choppers, and spe ctroscopic filters. Amino compounds derivatized by isothiocyanobenzyl EDTA with Eu3+ chelate are mixed with an enhancer solution postcolumn and detected by the TRFD. Taking advantage of the long fluorescence li fetime of the Eu3+ chelates, high selectivity against background fluor ecein is achieved. To demonstrate the usefulness of the TRFD, fundamen tal performance test comparison with the conventional fluorescence det ector was carried out. Details of the system are also described.