Journal of Analytical & Bioanalytical Techniques
Open Access

High-throughput screening; Biomolecule analysis; Electrokinetics; Miniaturization; Detection methods

Introduction

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has emerged as a powerful analytical technique revolutionizing the field of separation science since its inception in the late 20th century. Offering unparalleled precision, efficiency, and versatility, CE has found widespread applications across various domains including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental analysis, food science, and forensic science. The technique relies on the principles of electrophoresis, leveraging the differential migration of charged analytes under the influence of an electric field through a narrow capillary filled with a conductive buffer solution [1].

The advent of CE marked a significant milestone in separation science, providing researchers with a highly efficient tool capable of separating and quantifying complex mixtures of analytes with remarkable resolution and sensitivity. Unlike traditional chromatographic techniques, CE operates on a microscale, allowing for rapid analysis with minimal sample consumption and waste generation [2]. This inherent miniaturization not only enhances analytical throughput but also facilitates integration with other detection methods, such as mass spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy, further expanding its analytical capabilities.

One of the key advantages of CE lies in its ability to separate analytes based on their charge-to-size ratio, offering unique selectivity complementary to other separation techniques. This attribute has fueled its widespread adoption in the analysis of biomolecules including proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, where traditional chromatographic methods often fall short [3]. Moreover, CE enables the separation of enantiomers and positional isomers, providing invaluable insights into the chirality and structural isomerism of compounds, which is essential in pharmaceutical research and development.

Discussion

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has emerged as a powerful analytical technique with widespread applications across various fields including chemistry, biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. Its ability to separate and analyze complex mixtures with high efficiency and resolution has fuelled continuous exploration into new frontiers. In this discussion [4], we’ll delve into some of the exciting developments and potential future directions in capillary electrophoresis.

Miniaturization and microfluidics: One of the key trends in capillary electrophoresis is the ongoing miniaturization of systems, often integrated with microfluidic technologies. Miniaturization offers several advantages including reduced sample and reagent consumption, enhanced portability, and increased throughput. Microfluidic CE platforms enable rapid analyses, automation, and integration with other analytical techniques, paving the way for point-of-care diagnostics, on-site environmental monitoring, and high-throughput screening in drug discovery [5].

Enhanced separation techniques: Advancements in CE have led to the development of novel separation techniques aimed at improving resolution, sensitivity, and selectivity. Techniques such as capillary isoelectric focusing, capillary isotachophoresis, and capillary electrochromatography have expanded the analytical capabilities of CE, allowing for the separation of complex mixtures with unprecedented precision [6]. Additionally, the integration of CE with mass spectrometry (CE-MS) has enabled comprehensive characterization of biomolecules, metabolites, and pharmaceutical compounds, opening new avenues in proteomics, metabolomics, and drug metabolism studies.

High-throughput analysis and automation: Automation plays a crucial role in streamlining CE workflows, reducing analysis time, and improving reproducibility. Recent developments in robotic sample handling, injection systems, and data processing software have enabled high-throughput analysis of samples, making CE an attractive tool for routine laboratory testing and industrial applications [7]. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms holds promise for real-time optimization of CE methods, adaptive control of separation conditions, and intelligent data analysis, further enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of CE-based assays.

Multimodal and multidimensional CE: Multimodal and multidimensional CE approaches combine multiple separation techniques or detection methods within a single platform, offering enhanced analytical capabilities for complex samples. By integrating techniques such as CE with capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS), CE with laser-induced fluorescence detection (CE-LIF), or CE with electrochemical detection (CE-EC), researchers can achieve comprehensive characterization of analytes with improved sensitivity, specificity, and structural information [8]. These multimodal CE strategies find applications in metabolite profiling, proteogenomics, glycomics, and environmental analysis, among others.

Emerging applications: Beyond traditional analytical chemistry, capillary electrophoresis is finding novel applications in emerging areas such as single-cell analysis, nanoparticle characterization, and biosensing [9]. Single-cell CE enables the analysis of individual cells with high resolution, providing insights into cellular heterogeneity, biomarker expression, and drug response. CE-based biosensors offer rapid, sensitive, and label-free detection of biomolecules, pathogens, and environmental contaminants, with applications in healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring [10]. Moreover, CE-based nanoparticle analysis facilitates the characterization of nanomaterials for drug delivery, diagnostics, and nanotoxicology studies, contributing to the advancement of nanotechnology-enabled applications.

Conclusion

Capillary electrophoresis continues to push the boundaries of analytical science, offering versatile solutions for complex analytical challenges. With ongoing innovations in miniaturization, enhanced separation techniques, automation, multimodal approaches, and emerging applications, CE is poised to remain at the forefront of analytical chemistry, driving discoveries and applications across diverse fields in the years to come.

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