High performance capillary electrophoresis - T.E.A.M.

High performance capillary electrophoresis - T.E.A.M. High performance capillary electrophoresis - T.E.A.M.

03.01.2015 Views

Instrumentation/Operation 4.3.7.2 Quantifying non-separated peaks If two solutes are electrophoretically not separated, neither qualitative nor quantitative analysis can be performed with a single wavelength detector. With the diode-array, such analysis can be performed even if the spectra overlap across all wavelengths. This is accomplished through peak suppression or signal subtraction using an extra wavelength, known as the reference wavelength. 4.3.7.3 Validation of peak purity It is important to determine whether electrophoretic peaks are pure or if they consist of more than one solute. With a diode-array detector, peak purity can be examined if the spectra of the solute and the impurity are different. The most common method involves acquiring several spectra during the peak’s elution. By normalizing and overlaying the spectra, the plots can be compared. When the spectra match over all wavelengths, the peak can be considered pure. Other validation methods include examining the absorbance ratio at two wavelengths with the data plotted in the time domain, spectral suppression, three-dimensional plotting of the data, spectral deconvolution as a function of elution time, and principal component analysis. The peak purity function can be used when analysing non- Gaussian shaped peaks. This is especially beneficial in CE where peaks can be skewed as a result of conductivity differences between the solutes and the running buffer. Without this function, peak shape distortions can easily be misconstrued as impurities. Significant effort in optimization of buffer systems can be avoided by use of this spectral information. 108

4.3.7.4 Confirming peak identity Migration time or mobility measurements are often insufficient to confirm peak identity. Spectral analysis and library searching is a useful way to accomplish this. Spectra at the peak apex can be acquired automatically with the diodearray detector. The spectra can then be compared with those stored in a library. With automated comparison a match factor is calculated to give the statistical probability of peak identity. The spectral libraries can easily be built up by the user. In addition, the vast collection of libraries compiled from liquid chromatography can be used. Additional detail regarding the use of DAD can be found in the Agilent Technologies primer entitled Applications of diode-array Detection in HPLC. Instrumentation/Operation 4.4 Liquid handling Liquid handling in CE is important both to maintain high separation efficiency, automation, and overall experimental flexibility. Such a system can be considered to include an autosampler, fraction collector, buffer replenishment system and buffer leveling system. 4.4.1 Autosampler In CE an autosampler has two functions. It should transport both the sample vials and buffer vials to the capillary ends. For automated method development, usually a single sample vial and numerous buffer vials (each pair containing a different buffer composition) are used. Conversely, for routine analysis, numerous samples but only a single buffer is used. Thus it is important to have a high vial capacity and 109

4.3.7.4 Confirming peak identity<br />

Migration time or mobility measurements are often insufficient<br />

to confirm peak identity. Spectral analysis and library<br />

searching is a useful way to accomplish this. Spectra at the<br />

peak apex can be acquired automatically with the diodearray<br />

detector. The spectra can then be compared with<br />

those stored in a library. With automated comparison a<br />

match factor is calculated to give the statistical probability<br />

of peak identity. The spectral libraries can easily be built<br />

up by the user. In addition, the vast collection of libraries<br />

compiled from liquid chromatography can be used.<br />

Additional detail regarding the use of DAD can be found in<br />

the Agilent Technologies primer entitled Applications of<br />

diode-array Detection in HPLC.<br />

Instrumentation/Operation<br />

4.4 Liquid handling<br />

Liquid handling in CE is important both to maintain high<br />

separation efficiency, automation, and overall experimental<br />

flexibility. Such a system can be considered to include an<br />

autosampler, fraction collector, buffer replenishment system<br />

and buffer leveling system.<br />

4.4.1 Autosampler<br />

In CE an autosampler has two functions. It should transport<br />

both the sample vials and buffer vials to the <strong>capillary</strong> ends.<br />

For automated method development, usually a single<br />

sample vial and numerous buffer vials (each pair containing<br />

a different buffer composition) are used. Conversely, for<br />

routine analysis, numerous samples but only a single buffer<br />

is used. Thus it is important to have a high vial capacity and<br />

109

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