Electrophoresis | Capillary electrophoresis: principles of capillary

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the principles of electrophoretic separations. Included are discussions on zone electrophoresis and spreading and ways of minimizing band-broadening, the phenomenon of electroosmotic flow and factors that affect the flow, and the principles of electrophoretic mobility and factors that influence the separation. This article also briefly introduces the modes of capillary electrophoresis, including capillary zone electrophoresis, micellar electrokinetic chromatography, capillary gel electrophoresis, capillary isoelectric focusing, and capillary isotachophoresis. The electrophoretic separation mechanism of each mode is briefly described, and the potential applicability of each mode is presented. This article will be useful in providing fundamental understanding of electrophoresis to the readers.