Apparatus and method for interfacing capillary electrophoresis and chemiluminescence nitrogen detection for the analysis of nitrogen-containing compounds

We have developed an interface that allows the specific detection of nitrog en-containing compounds by using a chemiluminescence nitrogen detector. The feasibility of using this interface was demonstrated by separating and det ecting two nitrogen-containing compounds, p-aminosalicylic acid and L-pheny lalanine, Although baseline separation was achieved. the theoretical plates were lower when compared to UV detection (25 000 vs. similar to 85 000). A sensitivity of 75 ng (similar to 500 pmol) per injection was achieved with this system which is adequate for pharmaceutical and biotech applications. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.