What is capillary electrophoresis?

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a separation technique that utilizes the principles of electrophoresis to separate and analyze molecules in a capillary tube filled with an electrolyte solution. It is widely used in biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical analysis.

In capillary electrophoresis, molecules are separated based on their size, charge, and shape as they migrate through the capillary under the influence of an electric field. The separation is achieved through the differential migration of molecules in the capillary, with smaller, more charged molecules moving faster than larger, less charged ones.

One of the advantages of capillary electrophoresis is its high resolution and efficiency, allowing for the separation of complex mixtures with high precision. It is a versatile technique that can be used for the analysis of various molecules, including DNA, proteins, amino acids, peptides, and small molecules.

Capillary electrophoresis can be carried out in different modes, such as capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF), and micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). Each mode offers specific advantages and is suitable for different types of analytes.

Overall, capillary electrophoresis is a powerful analytical technique that offers high sensitivity, rapid analysis times, and minimal sample requirements. It is widely used in research, clinical diagnostics, and quality control in various industries.