Novel three-dimensional capillary electrophoresis system for complex and trace analysis

A novel triple column capillary electrophoresis system is described. Design specifications facilitate method development and analyses by providing on-line, selective, pre-concentration and clean-up of both high (ml) and low (μl) volumes of specific analytes in two dimensions and separation via an additional third dimension. The system described additionally provides four distinct detection capabilities via both contactless conductivity and UV. The addition of a third dimension to the previously reported 'coupled-column' systems, and further modifications made, has allowed for optimal identification, separation, and quantitation of micro-components in complex mixtures. The ability to perform both capillary zone electrophoretic and isotachophoretic separations on-line and in any combination enhances the scope for rapid analytical method development and analysis of complex or trace sample components. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.