INDIRECT FLUORESCENCE DETECTION OF SUGARS SEPARATED BY CAPILLARY ZONE ELECTROPHORESIS WITH VISIBLE LASER EXCITATION

This work extends the use of indirect fluorescence detection for capillary zone electrophoresis to the visible region. Detection is based on charge displacement and is not based upon any absorption or emission properties of the analyte, therefore the need for chemical derivatization is eliminated. Capillary zone electrophoresis-indirect fluorescence detection can separate and detect almost any compound that contains a charge. This was demonstrated by the separation and detection of a mixture of sugars which are only weakly acidic. The mass detection limit of fructose was 2 fmol using a 5-μm diameter capillary. This peak had an efficiency of more than 600 000 theoretical plates. © 1990.