What Is Capillary Electrophoresis?

Capillary electrophoresis is used in laboratories for molecular separation.

Capillary electrophoresis refers to a group of laboratory techniques used in the separation and analysis of molecules. The techniques employ electrical fields to accomplish molecular separation, according to Beckman Coulter, a biomedical technology company.

Basic Theory

Molecules have weight and variable levels of electrical charge (positive or negative) and by exposing molecules in a suspension to an electrical field, they can be forced to move. The molecules' weight and electrical charge will determine the rate and direction of movement.

Basic Process

The basic process involves placing the ends of a capillary (a type of narrow tubing) into containers that hold the sample solutions (called an electrolyte buffer), reports Beckman Coulter. Voltage is run through the solution, which causes molecular movement through the capillary.

Types

Beckman Coulter reports at least nine different types of capillary electrophoresis, including capillary zone electrophoresis, capillary gel electrophoresis, electrokinetic chromatogrophay and non-aqueous capillary electrophoresis.

Uses

The uses of capillary electrophoresis include genetic analysis (DNA sequencing, gene expression) and pharmaceutical analysis, as well as carbohydrate and protein analysis.

Detection

In order to gather data, a method of detecting the molecule movements must be in place. Detection methods include fixed and variable length UV (ultraviolet) absorption and flourescense detection, reports Groton Biosystems.

References

• Beckman Coulter: Capillary Electrophoresis: A Simple Technique
• Beckman Coulter: Introduction to Capillary Electrophoresis
• Groton Biosystems: Advanced Capillary Electrophoresis Detectors