What is the primary application of capillary electrophoresis?
Capillary electrophoresis is used for separating and analyzing small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, and other charged particles in fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental analysis, and forensic science.
What types of samples can be analyzed with capillary electrophoresis?
It can analyze a wide range of samples, including proteins, DNA/RNA, peptides, small organic molecules, and ions.
How does capillary electrophoresis achieve high resolution?
Capillary electrophoresis separates components based on their charge-to-size ratio using an electric field, resulting in high-resolution separation.
What are the advantages of using capillary electrophoresis over other techniques?
Capillary electrophoresis offers high-speed analysis, requires minimal sample and reagent volumes, and provides excellent resolution for complex mixtures.
Can capillary electrophoresis be used for quantitative analysis?
Yes, it is suitable for both qualitative and quantitative analysis, making it ideal for applications requiring precise measurements.
What detection methods are commonly used in capillary electrophoresis systems?
Detection methods include UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence, electrochemical detection, and mass spectrometry, depending on the application.
Is capillary electrophoresis suitable for high-throughput analysis?
Yes, capillary electrophoresis is well-suited for high-throughput workflows, especially in automated systems.
What kind of maintenance does a capillary electrophoresis system require?
Regular cleaning of the capillaries, checking the buffer solution, and routine calibration are typical maintenance tasks for optimal performance.
Are capillary electrophoresis systems compatible with different buffer solutions?
Yes, they are compatible with a variety of buffers, depending on the sample and separation requirements.
How precise and reproducible are the results obtained using capillary electrophoresis?
Capillary electrophoresis provides highly precise and reproducible results when the system is correctly calibrated and maintained.