Optimization and parameter study for chiral separation by capillary electrophoresis

Orthogonal design and uniform design were used for the optimization of sepa ration of enantiomers using 2,6-di-O-methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CD) as a chiral selector by capillary zone electrophoresis, The concentration o f DM-beta-CD, buffer pH, running voltage, and capillary temperature were se lected as variable parameters, their different effects on peak resolution w ere studied by the design methods. It was concluded that orthogonal design offers a rapid and efficient means for testing the importance of individual parameters and for determining the optimum operating conditions. However, for a large number of both factors and levels, uniform design is more effic ient, The effect of addition of methanol and citric acid buffer on the sepa ration of enantiomers was also examined.