Advances in Capillary Electrochromatography: Principles, Techniques, and Applications

Silva Vikrama

doi:10 .4172/2327-4581.1000411

Short Communication, J Chromatography Res Vol: 6 Issue: 3

Advances in Capillary Electrochromatography: Principles, Techniques, and Applications

Silva Vikrama^*

¹Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

*Corresponding Author: Silva Vikrama,
Department of Chemistry, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
E-mail: vikraama.silva@gmail.com

Received date: 05 September, 2023, Manuscript No. JCGR-23-116809;

Editor assigned date: 07 September, 2023, PreQC No. JCGR-23-116809 (PQ);

Reviewed date: 21 September, 2023, QC No. JCGR-23-116809;

Revised date: 29 September, 2023, Manuscript No. JCGR-23-116809 (R);

Published date: 06 October, 2023 DOI: 10.36648/JCGR.1000069.

Citation: Vikrama S (2023) Advances in Capillary Electrochromatography: Principles, Techniques, and Applications. J Chromatography Res 6:3.

Download PDF

Description

Analytical chemistry has witnessed significant advancements over the years, and separation techniques play a pivotal role in understanding the composition of complex mixtures. Capillary Electrochromatography (CEC) is one such technique that combines the principles of liquid chromatography and electrophoresis. It offers a unique approach to separation, providing enhanced efficiency and resolution compared to traditional liquid chromatography methods.

Principles of capillary electrochromatography

The key principles of liquid chromatography and electrophoresis include:

Stationary phase: In CEC, a capillary column is packed with a stationary phase, similar to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). However, the choice of stationary phase is diverse and includes silica particles, monolithic columns, and more. This phase interacts with analytes, promoting separation [1-3].

Mobile phase: Unlike HPLC, CEC employs both a liquid mobile phase and an electric field. The application of an electric potential across the capillary column drives the migration of ions and analytes through the column [4].

Electroosmotic Flow (EOF): An essential phenomenon in CEC is the electroosmotic flow, which is the bulk flow of the mobile phase due to the influence of the applied voltage. EOF plays a crucial role in the movement of analytes through the stationary phase.

Separation mechanisms: Separation in CEC is achieved through a combination of mechanisms, including electrophoresis and chromatography. Electrophoresis involves the migration of charged analytes towards the oppositely charged electrode, while chromatographic interactions occur between analytes and the stationary phase.

Techniques in capillary electrochromatography

CEC encompasses various techniques; each technique has unique advantages and applications:

Open-Tubular CEC (OT-CEC): In OT-CEC, the capillary column is uncoated or minimally coated with a stationary phase. This technique provides high efficiency and is particularly useful for the separation of neutral compounds.

Packed bed CEC: Here, the capillary column is packed with a stationary phase similar to traditional HPLC columns. Packed bed CEC is suitable for a wide range of compounds and offers high resolution [5-7].

Monolithic CEC: Monolithic columns are a relatively recent development in CEC. They consist of a single continuous piece of stationary phase, which allows for efficient separations and reduced backpressure.

Applications of capillary electrochromatography

CEC has found applications in various scientific fields such as:

Pharmaceutical analysis: CEC is used for the analysis of pharmaceuticals, offering high-resolution separations and efficient quantification of active ingredients, impurities, and degradation products.

Proteomics and metabolomics: In the field of proteomics, CEC is employed for the separation and analysis of proteins and peptides. It plays a vital role in metabolomics, enabling the identification and quantification of metabolites in complex biological samples [8-10].

Environmental analysis: CEC is used to detect and quantify environmental pollutants, such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals in water and soil samples.

Food and beverage industry: CEC ensures the quality control of food and beverages by separating and quantifying compounds like food additives, preservatives, and contaminants.

Clinical diagnostics: CEC is applied in clinical laboratories for the analysis of biomarkers and metabolites in biological samples. It aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases, including diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Conclusion

Capillary electrochromatography represents a powerful and versatile analytical technique that bridges the gap between traditional capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography. Its unique combination of principles and methodologies has enabled its widespread application in pharmaceutical analysis, proteomics, environmental monitoring, and food analysis. As research and technological advancements continue to evolve, the future of capillary electrochromatography holds the promise of even more efficient separations, enhanced analytical capabilities, and broader applications across diverse scientific disciplines and industries.