High resolution multichannel fluorescence detection for capillary electrophoresis Application to multicomponent analysis

Abstract

A wavelength-resolved fluorescence detector for laser-induced fluorescence detection in capillary electrophoresis (CE) is described that uses a charge injection device (CID) array detector. Post-column fluorescence detection occurs using a sheath flow cell. The limit of detection for fluorescein is 4.8·10 −11 M (29 000 molecules), the spectral resolution is 0.56 nm/pixel, and the spectrograph/CID monitors a 250 nm spectrum throughout the 250–875 nm range. Custom array readout, data manipulation and data processing methods are described to convert wavelength/spatial CID images into electropherograms. The application of the system to characterizing bilirubins in human serum is described, demonstrating the ability to match electrophoretic peaks to standards using spectral information.