Time-resolved near-IR fluorescence detection in capillary electrophoresis

Near-infrared (NIR) time-resolved fluorescence detection in capillary elect rophoresis (CE) has proven to be a viable technique for the identification of analytes separated by CE. Because of advances in excitation sources, NIR -labeling dyes, electronic hardware, and photon transduction, it is possibl e to evaluate fluorescence lifetimes on-line. This review will present the fundamental methods and advantages of NIR time-resolved fluorescence detect ion. NIR dyes, timing electronics, excitation and detection sources, data e valuation, and novel applications will be presented.