Capillary Electrophoresis

Rapid and in-situ preparation COFs coated capillary by adsorption method for the separation and determination of phthalate ester using CEC

As a novel class of stationary phase materials, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown great promise in open-tubular capillary electrochromatography. However, the current preparation of COFs coating capillaries heavily relies on tedious and time-consuming covalent bond methods. In this work, a novel, simple and rapid adsorption method was developed for fabrication of TPB-DMTP COF (fabricated from 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene (TPB) and 2,5-dimethoxyterephthalaldehyde (DMTP)) coated capillary. Due to the crystallization process of the COF is greatly shortened because pre-modification capillary does not require silane coupling agent, this method enables the rapid preparation of COFs-coated capillaries. The organic molecular building units only need 25 min to form a stable COFs coating on the inner wall of a capillary by this method. To our knowledge, this is the shortest method for preparing COFs coated capillary up to now. The performance of the TPB-DMTP COF coated capillary was evaluated by using phthalate esters as model analytes. The results demonstrated that the TPB-DMTP COF coated capillary has excellent repeatability and stability. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of the analyte's retention time of intra-day, inter-day and column-to-column were in the range of 0.05 %-0.27 %, 0.31 %-0.63 % and 0.31 %-0.88 %, respectively. And, no significant changes were observed in separation efficiency and retention time after over 200 runs. Finally, the TPB-DMTP COF coated capillary was applied for the determination of phthalates in marketed plastic bag and the recovery ranged from 88.0 % to 114.0 %.

Sorting and simultaneous quantitation of intact mixed-cell samples via capillary isotachophoresis

A great need currently exists for rapid, inexpensive, and accurate methods for microbial analysis in the medical, food, industrial, and water quality fields. Here, a novel capillary isotachophoresis (CITP) method is presented for the focusing, sorting, and quantitation of intact cells in mixed samples based on their electrophoretic mobility ranges. Using a series of ion spacers dissolved in the sample, this technique results in several efficient cell peaks in the electropherogram corresponding to specific cell electrophoretic mobility ranges. The concentrations of different species in mixed-cell samples are determined from the cell peak areas and the known peak response factors for the cell species using a series of linear equations. Method design and optimization are discussed, including the choice of running buffer, pH, and ion spacers. Mixed-cell samples of up to four different species were focused and quantified as a proof-of-principle of the method. When sample cell concentrations were toward the middle of the linear response range, accuracies between 1% and 11% and relative standard deviations of 1%-14% were obtained, depending on the number of cell species in the mixture. This work provides a useful basis for future studies of cell quantitation using CITP, which could be potentially applied to a variety of fields including cell growth studies, microbial contamination testing, and sterility testing.

Silver decahedral nanoparticles with uniform and adjustable sizes for surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based thiram residue detection

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been widely used as a sensitive molecular spectroscopy technology in food safety detection. Precise morphology control of plasmonic nanoparticles for high sensitivity and high uniformity SERS substrates remains challenging. Herein, silver decahedral nanoparticles (AgDeNPs) with uniform and adjustable sizes were synthesized by a photochemical seed-mediated method and utilized as SERS substrates for pesticide residue detection. The SERS sensitivity was demonstrated by using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) as a typical model molecule, and the limit of detection (LOD) reached 1.0 × 10-13 M. The pesticide residue detection of thiram in aqueous solution and on fruit peels was successfully realized; the LODs were 1.0 × 10-11 M and 0.96 ng cm-2, respectively, and SERS repeatability was also proved. Overall, size-tunable AgDeNPs show attractive SERS performances and are expected to hold potential application in sensitive food and environmental safety detection.

Green and white MEKC for determination of different anti-diabetic binary mixtures and their triple-combo pill

The work introduces green and white sustainable micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) procedure that could analyze therapeutically related drugs, empagliflozin (EMP), linagliptin (LIN) and metformin (MET) which are antidiabetic drugs with different mechanism of action, in their different pharmaceutical combinations. The method not only comply with the green analytical concepts, but also it is in line with sustainable analytical concepts as it is economic by applying the same operating conditions to analyze different pharmaceuticals in quality control (QC) labs which is a crucial step in QC labs and research centers to save time, effort, and money. Moreover, the method functionality regarding its scope with its achieved levels of accuracy, precision, low detection, and quantitation limits is tested using white assessment tool and compared with reported methods. The proposed MEKC coupled with a diode array detector (DAD) has been developed and validated for micro estimation of EMP and LIN in their low critical concentrations with MET in a ratio of (EMP: MET, 1:40) and (LIN: MET, 1:200). Separation was achieved within 6 min using fused silica capillary (40 cm × 50 µm id) using 20 mM Tris buffer (pH 10) in presence of 50 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate and 10% v/v methanol. The concentration ranges of the studied anti-diabetic drugs were 10-500, 10-100 and 2.5-100 µg. mL^-1 for MET, EMP and LIN, respectively. The developed method is the first MEKC for concurrent determination of EMP, LIN and MET with high separation efficiency, low solvent consumption and regard as an easy green and white analytical tool. Moreover, Greenness and whiteness assessment were done via the most widely used Analytical Eco-Scale, the innovative AGREE tool and the RGB 12 algorithm.

Aptamer affinity-based microextraction in-line coupled to capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry using a porous layer/nanoparticle -modified open tubular column

An aptamer affinity based microextraction column is developed to be directly in-line coupled to capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) for analyzing mycotoxins in food samples. Single-stranded DNA aptamers for selective recognition of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) targets are co-immobilized via covalent bonds on the surface of the inlet end of a capillary, which is pre-modified with three-dimensional porous layer and gold nanoparticles to enhance the specific surface area and loading capacity. The outlet of the capillary is designed as a porous tip to serve as the spray source for injection to the mass spectrometry. All the necessary processes for pretreatment and analysis of a sample are accomplished in one injection, including aptamer affinity-based microextraction, CE separation and MS detection of analytes. AFB1 and OTA are simultaneously determined in a wide linear range with sample consumption of only 1 μL and the limit-of-detection as low as 1 pg/mL. The microextraction column exhibits excellent repeatability and stability, which can be used over 45 runs within a month with CE separation efficiency and only MS intensity slightly decreased. Mycotoxins in three kinds of cereal based infant foods are accurately analyzed using the proposed method. The study provides a robust and universal approach that would have potential applications in a variety of analytical fields based on selective molecular recognition coupling to CE-MS analysis.

Analytical techniques for characterizing diastereomers of phosphorothioated oligonucleotides

Oligonucleotides have emerged as powerful therapeutics for treating diverse diseases. To fully unlock the therapeutic potential of oligonucleotides, there is still a great need to further improve their drug-like properties. Numerous chemical modifications have been explored to achieve this goal, with phosphorothioation being one of the most widely used strategies. However, phosphorothioate modification produces diastereomers that are reported to have different properties and performances, demanding detailed characterization of these diastereomers. Here we provide an overview of phosphorothioated oligonucleotide diastereomers, covering their origin and configurations, physicochemical and pharmacological properties, and stereo-selective chemical synthesis, followed by a summary of currently available analytical techniques for characterizing these diastereomers, with a focus on liquid chromatography-based approaches, including ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography, anion exchange chromatography, mixed-mode chromatography, and hybrid approaches. Non-chromatographic techniques, such as capillary electrophoresis, spectroscopy and other methods, are also being reviewed.

Use of molecular imprinted polymers as sensitive/selective luminescent sensing probes for pesticides/herbicides in water and food samples

As non-biological molecules, molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) can be made as antibody mimics for the development of luminescence sensors for various targets. The combination of MIPs with nanomaterials is further recognized as a useful option to improve the sensitivity of luminescence sensors. In this work, the recent progresses made in the fabrication of fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence, and electrochemiluminescence sensors based on such combination have been reviewed with emphasis on the detection of pesticides/herbicides. Accordingly, the materials that are most feasible for the detection of such targets are recommended based on the MIP technologies.

Measurement of trace bisphenol A in drinking water with combination of immunochromatographic detection technology and SERS method

Sensitive and selective detection of target analyte is very important in many fields such as commodity inspection and quality monitoring. In this work, based on the principle of competitive immunoassay, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was used to establish a rapid and highly sensitive method for the detection of trace amounts of bisphenol A in water. Here, Raman molecule 5,5-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid and anti-BPA antibody were conjugated with Au (core)@Ag (shell) nanoparticle to serve as SERS nanoprobe. After the SERS nanoprobe is combined with the substance to be tested, it uses the siphon effect to pass through the test line and the charging line on the test strip. And the Raman test was performed on the T line with a Raman spectrometer. The detection limitation was 0.1 pg/mL. Compared with the reported gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, fluorescence analysis, and other detection methods, SERS ICA does not demand complicated sample preparation procedures, and has the advantages of simple detection methods, quick results, High sensitivity, good specificity, and low technical demands for laboratory environment and testers. In addition, Raman spectrometers have gradually developed to be portable, making it easier to meet the needs of on-site rapid and highly sensitive detection, and will show broad prospects for applications in the fields of biomedical diagnosis and food safety monitoring.

Microchip Free-Flow Electrophoresis for Bioanalysis, Sensing, and Purification

The separation of complex mixtures is ubiquitous throughout molecular biology, and techniques such as gel-based electrophoresis are common laboratory practice. Such methods are not without their drawbacks, however, which include non-specific interactions between analyte and the separation matrix, poor yields in purification and non-continuous analyte throughput. Microfluidic techniques, which exploit physical phenomena unique to the microscale, promise to improve many aspects of traditional laboratory procedures. These methods offer a quantitative, solution-based alternative to traditional gel electrophoresis, with rapid measurement times enabling the analysis of transient or weak biomolecular interactions that would be challenging to observe with traditional methods. Here, we present a protocol for the lithographic fabrication and operation of microfluidic chips capable of free-flow electrophoretic (FFE) fractionation and analysis of biological analytes. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach through a protein-sensing methodology based on FFE fractionation of DNA-protein mixtures. In addition, the FFE technique described here can be readily adapted to suit a variety of preparative and analytical applications, providing information on the charge, zeta-potential, and interactions of analytes.

Recent advances in therapeutic nucleic acids and their analytical methods

Therapeutic nucleic acids are various chemically modified RNA or DNA with different functions, which mainly play roles at the gene level. Owing to its accurately targeting at pathogenic genes, nucleic acid based therapeutics have a wide range of application prospects. Recently, the improvement on chemical synthesis and delivery materials accelerated the development of therapeutic nucleic acids rapidly. Up to now, 17 nucleic acid based therapeutics approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA). The development of therapeutics raised higher requirements for analytical methods, both in quality control and in clinical research. The first part of this review introduces different classes of therapeutic nucleic acids, including antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), RNA interference (RNAi) therapy, mRNA, aptamer and other classes which are under research. The second part reviews the therapeutic nucleic acids commercialized from 2019 to now. The third part discusses the analytical methods for nucleic acid based therapeutics, including liquid chromatography-based methods, capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), hybridization enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and other infrequently used methods. Finally, the advantages and shortcomings of these methods are summarized, and the future development of analysis methods are prospected.

Sensing Techniques for Organochlorides through Intermolecular Interaction with Bicyclic Amidines

Toxic organochloride molecules are widely used in industry for various purposes. With their high volatility, the direct detection of organochlorides in environmental samples is challenging. Here, a new organochloride detection mechanism using 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN) is introduced to simplify a sensing method with higher detection sensitivity. Three types of organochloride compounds-trichloroethylene (TCE), dichloromethane (DCM), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)—were targeted to understand DCM conjugation chemistry by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and liquid chromatography with a mass spectrometer (LC-MS). ¹³C-NMR spectra and LC-MS data indicated that DBN can be labeled on these organochloride compounds by chlorine–nitrogen interaction. Furthermore, to demonstrate the organochloride sensing capability, the labeling yield and limit of detection were determined by a colorimetric assay as well as micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). The interaction with DBN was most appreciable for TCE, among other organochlorides. TCE was detected at picomolar levels, which is two orders of magnitude lower than the maximum contaminant level set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. MEKC, in conjunction with this DBN-labeling method, enables us to develop a field-deployable sensing platform for detecting toxic organochlorides with high sensitivity.

Mass Spectrometry of Nucleic Acid Noncovalent Complexes

Nucleic acids have been among the first targets for antitumor drugs and antibiotics. With the unveiling of new biological roles in regulation of gene expression, specific DNA and RNA structures have become very attractive targets, especially when the corresponding proteins are undruggable. Biophysical assays to assess target structure as well as ligand binding stoichiometry, affinity, specificity, and binding modes are part of the drug development process. Mass spectrometry offers unique advantages as a biophysical method owing to its ability to distinguish each stoichiometry present in a mixture. In addition, advanced mass spectrometry approaches (reactive probing, fragmentation techniques, ion mobility spectrometry, ion spectroscopy) provide more detailed information on the complexes. Here, we review the fundamentals of mass spectrometry and all its particularities when studying noncovalent nucleic acid structures, and then review what has been learned thanks to mass spectrometry on nucleic acid structures, self-assemblies (e.g., duplexes or G-quadruplexes), and their complexes with ligands.

Porous layer open-tubular column with styrene and itaconic acid-copolymerized polymer as stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography-mass spectrometry

Enhancing the specific surface area of stationary phase is important in chromatographic science, especially in open-tubular column in which the coating only exists on the inner surface. In this work, a porous layer open-tubular (PLOT) column with stationary phase of styrene and itaconic acid-copolymerized polymer was developed. Thermal-initiated polymerization method with strategies like controlling the ratio of reaction reagents to solvents and reaction time, confinement by the narrow inner diameter of capillary were used for preparing the stationary phase with uniform structure and relatively thick layer. Due to the high separation efficiency and capacity, the PLOT column was used for capillary electrochromatography (CEC) separation of multiple groups of analytes like alkylbenzenes, phenyl amines, phenols, vanillins, and sulfonamides with theoretical plates (N) up to 1,54,845 N/m. In addition, due to high permeability of the CEC column and large electroosmotic flow mobility generated by abundant carboxyl groups in the coating material, the PLOT-CEC column was successfully coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) through a sheath flow interface. The developed PLOT-CEC-MS method was used for the analysis of antiseptics like parabens and herbicides like pyridines.

Simultaneous Separation and Analysis of Five Compounds in Cibotium barometz by Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography with Large-Volume Sample Stacking

A large volume sample stacking (LVSS) method in micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) with diode array detector was developed for the simultaneous separation and analysis of five compounds: protocatechuic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, caffeic acid, syringetin and vanillin in Cibotium barometz. The electrophoretic separation was performed in a 10 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 50 mM sodium borax-sodium dihydrogen phosphate system (pH = 8.5) with 10% methanol at a separation voltage of 30 kV after optimizing the typical parameters. The detection limits were from 32 pg to 65 pg, which were around 12–27 times lower than MEKC, and 500 times less than reported methods. Finally, the established method was validated to be applicable for the determination of protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid in Cibotium barometz. This proposed method is expected to facilitate the quality control of Cibotium barometz.

A Tapered Capillary-Based Contactless Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometry for On-Line Preconcentration and Separation of Small Organics

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is an effective technique for the separation of different analytes. Moreover, online preconcentration of trace analytes in the capillary for CE analysis has been demonstrated. CE and capillary electrochromatography (CEC) are suitable for the separation of analytes with similar polarities. Given that CE and CEC are only used to separate small-volume samples, sensitive mass spectrometry (MS) is a suitable detection tool for CE and CEC. Contactless atmospheric pressure ionization (C-API) is a continuous flow ion source that only uses a short capillary as the ionization emitter operated at atmospheric pressure for MS analysis. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of hyphenating CE/CEC with C-API-MS by using a short and tapered capillary as the interface. The short capillary (a few centimeters) can function as the separation/preconcentration tube and the ionization emitter. This hyphenated technique can be used to analyze small organics within a few minutes. The suitability of using the hyphenated technique for online preconcentration, separation, and quantitative analysis for small organics is demonstrated in this study.

[Application of non-stationary phase separation hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in the analysis of trace metal-containing nanoparticles in the environment]

环境中金属纳米颗粒的分析检测不仅需要关注其浓度和化学组成,还需要对其形状、粒径和表面电荷等进行表征。此外,环境中金属纳米颗粒的分析需要解决其低赋存浓度以及复杂基质干扰的难题。无固定相分离技术与电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)的在线联用,具有较强的颗粒分离能力和较低的元素检出限,能够快速准确地提供金属纳米颗粒的粒径分布、化学组成等信息,在金属纳米颗粒的分离检测方面表现出极大的潜能。但这一联用技术尚无法获得金属纳米颗粒物的颗粒数浓度和单个颗粒的元素信息,难以判断金属纳米颗粒涂层厚度、纯度以及颗粒的均相/异相团聚行为等。新兴的单颗粒-电感耦合等离子体质谱(SP-ICP-MS)与无固定相分离技术的在线联用,可以获得金属纳米颗粒的流体动力学粒径、元素质量计算粒径和颗粒数浓度等信息,进而弥补无固定相分离与ICP-MS在线联用技术的不足。该文介绍了流体动力色谱、毛细管电泳和场流分离3种常用无固定相分离技术的分离机制和适用检测器,着重综述了无固定相分离技术与ICP-MS/SP-ICP-MS在线联用技术的特点及其在环境金属纳米颗粒分析中的应用。关于场流分离,主要介绍了可以与ICP-MS联用的沉降场流分离和流场流分离。该文还对流体动力色谱、毛细管电泳和流场流分离与ICP-MS在线联用技术的特点进行了比较。最后,该文对无固定相分离技术与ICP-MS/SP-ICP-MS在线联用技术的发展提出了展望。

Quantum Dots Based Fluorescent Probe for the Selective Detection of Heavy Metal Ions

Heavy metal ions are one of the primary causes of environmental pollution. A marshal effect of heavy metal ions is a paramount ultimatum to humans, aquatic animals and other organisms present in nature. Multitude arrays of materials have been proclaimed for sensing of heavy metal ions and also many methodologies are applied for heavy metal ion sensing. Due to their toxicity and non-biodegradability, it is required to be perceived immediately prior to its manifestation of harmful effects. Quantum Dots (QDs) are zero-dimensional nanomaterial particles and owing to their distinctive optical and electronic properties, they are utilized as nanosensors. QDs have enriched fluorescence properties which includes broad excitation spectrum, narrow emission spectrum and photostability. QDs offer eclectic and sensitive detection of heavy metal ions due to presence of discrete capping agents and different functional groups present on the surface of the QDs. These capping layers and functional groups attune the sensing capability of the QDs, which leverages the interactions of QDs with various analytes by different mechanisms. This review, comprising of papers from 2011 to 2020,focuses on heavy metal ions sensing potential of various quantum dots and its applicability as a nanosensor for on field heavy metal ions detection in water. Quantum Dots (QDs) based Heavy Metal Detection.

How does DNA 'meet' capillary-based microsystems?

DNA possesses various chemical and physical properties which make it important in biological analysis. The opportunity for DNA to 'meet' capillary-based microsystems is rapidly increasing owing to the expanding development of miniaturization. Novel capillary-based methods can provide favourable platforms for DNA-ligand interaction assay, DNA translocation study, DNA separation, DNA aptamer selection, DNA amplification assay, and DNA digestion. Meanwhile, DNA exhibits great potential in the fabrication of new capillary-based biosensors and enzymatic bioreactors. Moreover, DNA has received significant research interest in improving capillary electrophoresis (CE) performance. We focus on highlighting the advantages of combining DNA and capillary-based microsystems. The general trend presented in this review suggests that the 'meeting' has offered a stepping stone for the application of DNA and capillary-based microsystems in the field of analytical chemistry.

Recent (2018-2020) development in capillary electrophoresis

Development of new capillary electrophoresis (CE) methodology and instrumentation, as well as application of CE to solve new problems, remains an active research area because of the attractive features of CE compared to other separation techniques. In this review, we focus on the representative works about sample preconcentration, separation media or capillary coating development, detector construction, and multidimensional separation in CE, which are judiciously selected from the papers published in 2018–2020.

Identifying i-motif formation using capillary electrophoresis

Over the past few years, intercalated motifs (i-motifs) have attracted attention due to the direct visualization of their existence in the nuclei of human cells. Traditionally, i-motifs have been studied using expensive and complicated NMR, and/or relatively inexpensive but less common circular dichroism spectrometry. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using less expensive, less complicated, and more widely available CE as an alternative for i-motif related research. The mobilities of two DNA and RNA i-motifs in CE were determined under different pH conditions. Our results demonstrate that CE is able to identify and differentiate mostly folded, partially folded, and mostly unfolded DNA and RNA i-motifs through changes in peak shape and migration time, thus providing a new method to study both i-motif conformation and the interactions between i-motifs and their ligands.

Rice-Spikelet-like Copper Oxide Decorated with Platinum Stranded in the CNT Network for Electrochemical In Vitro Detection of Serotonin

The specific monitoring of serotonin (ST) has provoked massive interest in therapeutic and biological science since it has been recognized as the third most significant endogenous gastrointestinal neurotransmitter. Hence, there is a great need to develop a sensitive and low-cost sensing platform for the detection of a clinically relevant ST level in biological matrices. Herein, we develop a simple two-step approach for an ultrasensitive electrochemical (EC) sensor with the Cu₂O metal oxide (MO)-incorporated CNT core that has been further deposited with a transitional amount of platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs). We presented, for the first time, the deposition of Pt NPs on the (CNTs-Cu₂O-CuO) nanopetal composite via the galvanic replacement method, where copper not only acts as a reductant but a sacrificial template as well. The electrocatalytic aptitude of the fabricated EC sensing platform has been assessed for the sensitive detection of ST as a proficient biomarker in early disease diagnostics. The synergy of improved active surface area, remarkable conductivity, polarization effect induced by Pt NPs on CNTs-Cu₂O-CuO nanopetals, fast electron transfer, and mixed-valence states of copper boost up the redox processes at the electrode-analyte junction. The CNTs-Cu₂O-CuO@Pt-modified electrode has unveiled outstanding electrocatalytic capabilities toward ST oxidation in terms of a low detection limit of 3 nM (S/N = 3), wide linear concentration range, reproducibility, and incredible durability. Owing to the amazing proficiency, the proposed EC sensor based on the CNTs-Cu₂O-CuO@Pt heterostructure has been applied for ST detection in biotic fluids and real-time tracking of ST efflux released from various cell lines as early disease diagnostic approaches.

Recent developments in the characterization of nucleic acids by liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, ion mobility, and mass spectrometry (2010-2020)

The development of new strategies for the analysis of nucleic acids has gained momentum due to the increased interest in using these biomolecules as drugs or drug targets. The application of new mass spectrometry ion activation techniques and the optimization of separation methods including liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and ion mobility have allowed more detailed characterization of nucleic acids and oligonucleotide therapeutics including confirmation of sequence, localization of modifications and interaction sites, and structural analysis as well as identification of failed sequences and degradation products. This review will cover tandem mass spectrometry methods as well as the recent developments in liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and ion mobility coupled to mass spectrometry for the analysis of nucleic acids and oligonucleotides.

Rapid Structural, Kinetic, and Immunochemical Analysis of Alpha-Synuclein Oligomers in Solution

Oligomers comprised of misfolded proteins are implicated as neurotoxins in the pathogenesis of protein misfolding conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Structural, biophysical, and biochemical characterization of these nanoscale protein assemblies is key to understanding their pathology and the design of therapeutic interventions, yet it is challenging due to their heterogeneous, transient nature and low relative abundance in complex mixtures. Here, we demonstrate separation of heterogeneous populations of oligomeric α-synuclein, a protein central to the pathology of Parkinson's disease, in solution using microfluidic free-flow electrophoresis. We characterize nanoscale structural heterogeneity of transient oligomers on a time scale of seconds, at least 2 orders of magnitude faster than conventional techniques. Furthermore, we utilize our platform to analyze oligomer ζ-potential and probe the immunochemistry of wild-type α-synuclein oligomers. Our findings contribute to an improved characterization of α-synuclein oligomers and demonstrate the application of microchip electrophoresis for the free-solution analysis of biological nanoparticle analytes.

Droplet-interfacing strategies in microscale electrophoresis for sample treatment, separation and quantification: A review

In this study, for the first time we report on a comprehensive overview of different strategies to hyphenate droplet-based sample handling and preparation with electrophoretic separation in different formats (i.e. microchip and capillary electrophoresis). Droplet-interfaced electrophoresis is an emerging technique in which micro/nanometric droplets are used as a bridge and carrier of target analytes between sample treatment and electrokinetic separation steps, thus being expected to overcome the challenges of working dimension mismatch and low degree of module integration. This review covers all works on this topic from 2006 (the year of the first communication) up to 2020, with focus being given to three principal interfacing strategies, including droplets in immiscible phases, digital microfluidics with electrowetting-on-dielectric principle and inkjet droplet generation. Different instrumental developments for such purpose, the viewpoints on pros and cons of these designs as well as application demonstrations of droplet-interfaced electrokinetic strategies are discussed.

Low-cost and versatile analytical tool with purpose-made capillary electrophoresis coupled to contactless conductivity detection: Application to antibiotics quality control in Vietnam

In this study, the development of our purpose-made capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C⁴ D) for CE is reported. These systems have been employed as a simple, versatile, and cost-effective analytical tool. CE-C⁴ D devices, whose principle is based on the control of the ion movements under an electrical field, can be constructed even with a modest financial budget and limited infrastructure. A featured application was developed for quality control of antimicrobial drugs using CE-C⁴ D, with most recent work on determination of aminoglycoside and glycopeptide antibiotics being communicated. For aminoglycosides, the development of CE-C⁴ D methods was adapted to two categories. The first one includes drugs (liquid or powder form) for intravenous injection, containing either amikacin, streptomycin, kanamycin A, or kanamycin B. The second one covers drugs for eye drops (liquid or ointment form), containing either neomycin, tobramycin, or polymyxin. The CE-C⁴ D method development was also made for determination of some popular glycopeptide antibiotics in Vietnam, including vancomycin and teicoplanin. The best detection limit achieved using the developed CE-C⁴ D methods was 0.5 mg/L. Good agreement between results from CE-C⁴ D and the confirmation method (HPLC- Photometric Diode Array ) was achieved, with their result deviations less than 8% and 13% for aminoglycoside and glycopeptide antibiotics, respectively.

Separation and determination of alkyl sulfate surfactants in wastewater by capillary electrophoresis coupled with contactless conductivity detection after preconcentration by simultaneous adsorption using alumina beads

The aim of the present study is to determine four anionic alkyl sulfate (AS) surfactants with different alkyl chains, namely, C8, C10, C12, and C14, in wastewater by CE with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C⁴ D). The conditions effective for the separation of the four AS surfactants were systematically optimized and found to be in a Tris-His (50 mM/20 mM) BGE solution at a pH of 8.95, using a separation voltage of +15 kV, hydrodynamic injection by siphoning using a 20 cm injection height and an injection time of 20 s. The LODs for C8, C10, C12, and C14 were 2.58, 2.30, 2.08, and 3.16 mg/L, respectively. The conditions used to achieve the simultaneous adsorption and preconcentration of the AS surfactants using Al₂ O₃ beads were pH of 3 and 0.1 mM NaCl. The adsorption efficiencies were found to be 45.6, 50.8, 81.7, and 99.9%, while the desorption efficiencies reached 66.1, 70.4, 83.9, and 100.0% for C8, C10, C12, and C14, respectively. The concentrations of the AS surfactants in wastewater samples were quantified by CE-C⁴ D after preconcentration by simultaneous adsorption using Al₂ O₃ beads. The results obtained from the proposed method were consistent with those obtained by HPLC-MS/MS, with a deviation of less than 15%. Our results indicate that the CE-C⁴ D performed after preconcentration by an adsorption technique using Al₂ O₃ beads is a new, inexpensive, and suitable method for quantifying AS surfactants in wastewater samples.

Online capillary electrophoresis - mass spectrometry analysis of histatin-5 and its degradation products

Histatin-5 (Hst-5) is a human salivary peptide with antibacterial and antifungal activities. Thorough characterization and reliable quantification of Hst-5 and its degradation products are essential for understanding the Hst-5 degradation pathway. Due to the highly basic and strong cationic nature of the Hst-5 peptide, the quantitative analysis of Hst-5 and its degradation forms by online mass spectrometry remains challenging. Here, we adopt a recently developed electrokinetically pumped sheath liquid capillary electrophoresis - mass spectrometry (CE-MS) coupling technology, and successfully apply it for the analysis of Hst-5 and its degradation products. Our CE-MS method is demonstrated to be robust and quantitative. This novel analytical platform is reproducible and free of sample carryover. The efficacy of this method is demonstrated with a kinetic study of Hst-5 degradation by Sap9, a secreted aspartic peptidase. Our work demonstrates the potential of online CE-MS as a powerful approach for characterizing highly basic peptides.

High-Speed Capillary Electrophoresis Using a Thin-Wall Fused-Silica Capillary Combined with Backscatter Interferometry

High-speed capillary electrophoresis (HSCE) is implemented using a 10 cm total length fused-silica capillary (50 μm i.d., 80 μm o.d.) combined with refractive index (RI) detection using backscatter interferometry (BSI). The short capillary length reduces analysis time while the ultrathin wall (15 μm) efficiently dissipates heat from the separation channel, mitigating the deleterious effects of Joule heating. The separation capillary is mounted on a temperature-controlled heat sink that stabilizes the temperature to ±0.004 °C. This temperature stabilization improves separation efficiency and enhances RI detection. Ohm's Law plots confirm the superior heat dissipation of the HSCE capillary compared to a similarly prepared conventional CE capillary (50 μm i.d., 363 μm o.d.). The speed and efficiency of HSCE combined with universal RI detection is illustrated through the separation of K⁺, Ba²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, Li⁺, and Tris⁺ in approximately 30 s, with efficiencies greater than 500 000 plates/m. Run-to-run repeatability is explored using nine consecutive electrokinetic injections of a K⁺, Na⁺, and Li⁺ mixture. The average migration times and %RSD for K⁺, Na⁺, and Li⁺ were measured to be 22.04 s (1.59%), 26.81 s (1.38%), and 29.80 s (2.21%), respectively. Finally, we show that the BSI signal is sensitive to the separation voltage through the Kerr mechanism. This leads to peaks in the electropherogram from the injection process that are useful for precisely defining the start of each separation and quantifying the amount of sample injected onto the capillary.

Consecutive and automatic detection of multi-gene mutations from colorectal cancer samples by coupling droplet array-based capillary electrophoresis and PCR-RFLP

The efficacy of targeted therapy is associated with multi-gene mutation status. Carrying out effective multi-genotyping analysis in combination has been a challenge in clinical settings. We therefore developed a droplet-based capillary electrophoresis (CE) system coupled with PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technology to detect multi-gene mutations from a small volume of samples. A 16 × 16 200-nL droplet array for sample encapsulation was constructed on a glass chip. The electrophoresis system consisted of a tapered vertical capillary filled with polyvinylpyrrolidone, a laser-induced fluorescence detector, and a high voltage power supply. Notably, a droplet-based electrokinetic sample introduction method and a "∩" shape capillary were developed to facilitate consecutive droplet sampling using a home-made automatic control module. The DL2000 DNA marker was consecutively separated, achieving high migration time and plate number reproducibility. The system was further applied to detect PCR-RFLP products. For colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA were genotyped with a sensitivity of 0.25%. For CRC patient specimens, 30 samples were consecutively and automatically multi-genotyped without inter-sample contamination, with a lowest mutation frequency of 0.37%. For the first time, we developed a droplet-based CE system for consecutive DNA analysis with low sample consumption. This automated CE system could be further developed to integrate the full process of gene mutation detection, serving as a more effective platform for individualised therapy.

A simple and highly sensitive masking fluorescence detection system for capillary array electrophoresis and its application to food and medicine analysis

A high sampling rate, good stability, high throughput masking fluorescence detection system with easy positioning of each channel for capillary array electrophoresis was prepared and studied. A special mask combined with convex lenses was designed to modulate signals, without using any extra device to position each channel. The signal of each channel was detected by a photomultiplier tube, classified and saved by software. The design was used to evidently reduce the rotational vibration of optical components and to stabilize the system, so a high sampling rate was obtained by increasing the DC motor speed. To improve the optical system, optical fibers instead of conventional bulky optical components were used to transmit optical signal and to collect fluorescences in multiple directions, which greatly raised the sensitivity. Other important parameters including sampling rate, rotating speed and driven voltage laser diode (LDs) have also been investigated. Under optimal conditions, the performance of the detection system was evaluated. This novel system had a well-designed structure, and allowed independent multiple capillary operations and easy microanalysis. Its limit of detection for rhodamine 6G was 2.0 × 10^-2 µg/mL.

Silicon Photonic Microring Resonator Arrays as a Universal Detector for Capillary Electrophoresis

Electrophoretic separations conventionally rely on chromogenic, fluorogenic, or redox properties for analyte detection that, in many instances, involve chemical modification of samples prior to analysis. For analytes natively lacking chemical signatures, refractive index-based measurements are appealing as a method to detect these molecules without pretreatment. Microring resonators are a type of whispering gallery mode sensor capable of detecting bulk changes in refractive index. Here, we demonstrate the use of silicon photonic microring resonator arrays as a postcolumn detector for capillary electrophoresis. In this approach, we establish the universal detection capabilities of microrings through calibration with analytes lacking unique spectral signatures. Separations of small molecule mixtures are demonstrated using capillary zone electrophoresis. For these separations, the microring resonators maintain a linear response over several orders of magnitude in concentration for three candidate small molecules. Successful separation of three sugars with direct detection is also demonstrated. We further present the successful separation and detection of three model proteins, exemplifying the promise of microring resonators arrays as a biocompatible detector for capillary electrophoresis. Additionally, the spatially offset, array-based nature of the sensing platform enables real-time analysis of analyte mobility and performance characterization-a combination that is not typically provided using single-point detectors.

Modern Approach to Medical Diagnostics - the Use of Separation Techniques in Microorganisms Detection

Background:

Analytical chemistry and biotechnology as an interdisciplinary fields of science have been developed during many years and are experiencing significant growth, to cover a wide range of microorganisms separation techniques and methods, utilized for medical therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Currently scientific reports contribute by introducing electrophoretical and immunological methods and formation of devices applied in food protection (avoiding epidemiological diseases) and healthcare (safety ensuring in hospitals).

Methods:

Electrophoretic as well as nucleic-acid-based or specific immunological methods have contributed tremendously to the advance of analyses in recent three decades, particularly in relation to bacteria, viruses and fungi identifications, especially in medical in vitro diagnostics, as well as in environmental or food protection.

Results:

The paper presents the pathogen detection competitiveness of these methods against conventional ones, which are still too time consuming and also labor intensive. The review is presented in several parts following the current trends in improved pathogens separation and detection methods and their subsequent use in medical diagnosis.

Discussion:

Part one, consists of elemental knowledge about microorganisms as an introduction to their characterization: descriptions of divisions, sizes, membranes (cells) components. Second section includes the development, new technological and practical solution descriptions used in electrophoretical procedures during microbes analyses, with special attention paid to bio-samples analyses like blood, urine, lymph or wastewater. Third part covers biomolecular areas that have created a basis needed to identify the progress, limitations and challenges of nucleic-acid-based and immunological techniques discussed to emphasize the advantages of new separative techniques in selective fractionating of microorganisms.

Preparation of photosensitive diazotized poly (vinyl alcohol-b-styrene) covalent capillary coatings for capillary electrophoresis separation of proteins

In this paper, we have developed a novel method for the preparation of covalently connected capillary coatings in which diazotized poly (vinyl alcohol-b-styrene) (diazo-P(VA-b-St)) was used as a photosensitive coating agent. Firstly, the diazo-P(VA-b-St) coating was self-assembled on the inner surface of the capillary, and then irradiated by ultraviolet (UV) light to convert the ionic bonding into covalent bonding through the unique photochemical reaction of diazo groups. The covalently connected coatings inhibited the protein adsorption on the inner surface of the capillary, as a result, the baseline protein separation of ribonuclease A (RNase A), lysozyme (Lyz) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were attained by utilizing the capillary electrophoresis (CE). The covalently connected diazo-P(VA-b-St) capillary coatings have greater CE separation performance with magnificent repeatability and enhanced stability, when compared with non-covalently coated or bare capillaries. This strategy to synthesize photosensitive diazo-P(VA-b-St) capillary coatings for their use in capillary electrophoresis separation of proteins is highly environment-friendly as it does not involve the use of extremely noxious and moisture penetrating coatings of silane.

Evaluation of the enantioselectivity of capillary electrokinetic chromatography using ethanediamine-bonded poly (glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres as the pseudostationary phases

In this work, a new capillary electrokinetic chromatography (EKC) approach using ethanediamine-bonded poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (Ami-PGMA) microspheres as pseudostationary phases (PSPs) for enantioseparation with a polysaccharide, chondroitin sulfate E (CSE), as the chiral selector. The CSE@Ami-PGMA EKC system was applied to enantioseparate basic drugs, and distinct improved separations of tested enantiomers were obtained while comparing with the single CSE system (the resolution increased from 0.41 to 1.26 for nefopam, from 1.24 to 2.15 for laudanosine, and from 0.92 to 2.36 for amlodipine). The Ami-PGMA microspheres were fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and the results showed Ami-PGMA microspheres were uniform and spherical in size (1 μm). Several principal parameters were systematically investigated, and the optimal chiral separations were obtained with Tris/H₃ PO₄ (20 mM, pH 2.4, and 3.4 for NEF) containing 2.5% (w/v) CSE and 20-μg Ami-PGMA microspheres in 20°C. Subsequently, the concentrations of Ami-PGMA microspheres and CSE were proved to be the dominant factors for the separation in the CSE@Ami-PGMA EKC system by Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS).

Novel approaches for biomolecule immobilization in microscale systems

This manuscript reviews novel approaches applied for biomolecule immobilization in microscale systems.

Chiral ligand exchange capillary electrochromatography with dual ligands for enantioseparation of D,L-amino acids

Utilizing block copolymers as coatings, a protocol of chiral ligand exchange capillary electrochromatography (CLE-CEC) protocol was designed and developed with dual ligands for D,L-amino acids enantioseparation. Four block copolymers including poly maleic anhydride-co-styrene-co-N-methacryloyl-L-histidine methyl ester [P(MAn-St-MAH)], poly maleic anhydride-co-styrene-co-N-methacryloyl-L-lysine methyl ester [P(MAn-St-MAL)], poly maleic anhydride-co-styrene-co-N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester [P(MAn-St-MAP)] and poly maleic anhydride-co-styrene-co-N-methacryloyl-L-threonine methyl ester [P(MAn-St-MAT)] were synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization reaction. Key factors affecting the enantioresolution were optimized, including the concentration of Zn (II) central ion, pH value of buffer solution and monomers of the block copolymers. The enantioresolution of the proposed CLE-CEC system could be enhanced dramatically by employing P(MAn-St-MAH) as the immobilized chiral ligand and by coordinating the synergistic effect of free ligand in buffer solution. The principle of improved enantioresolution of the CLE-CEC system with dual ligands was discussed. Well enantioseparation was successfully realized with 7 pairs of D,L-amino acids enantiomers baseline separation and 5 pairs part separation. For quantitative analysis of D,L-alanine, a good linearity was established in the range of 9.4 μM to 1.5 mM (r² = 0.997) with the limits of detection (LODs) 3.7 μM of D-alanine, 2.0 μM for L-alanine, and limits of quantification (LOQs) 9.0 μM for D-alanine and 6.0 μM for L-alanine. The peak area and migration time reproducibility (n = 6) were 4.1% and 3.5% for D-alanine, 3.7% and 3.1% for L-alanine. Further, the enzyme kinetics study of alanine aminotransferase was investigated with the constructed CLE-CEC system.