Capillary Electrophoresis Approach Research Articles

Progress of highly reproducible capillary electrophoresis

Following rapid developments in capillary electrophoresis (CE), this technology has become an established analytical technique owing to its microscale characteristics, high speed, high efficiency, and versatility. However, the challenges of poor peak stability and/or reproducibility have consistently hindered its wider applications. CE has long been used as a measurement tool for plotting signal intensities versus the migration time; however, the migration time is not an independent variable in CE, but is affected by many direct and indirect parameters, including capillary (length, diameter, and inner surface properties), electric field (or voltage, current, and/or power), temperature, and running buffer (electrolytes, additives, solvents, and their concentration, buffering pH, etc.). These intricacies render the acquisition of reproducible electropherograms difficult. Various studies ranging from those on the early stages of CE development to those on the exploration of three important strategies have been conducted to address this issue. In the first strategy, the CE conditions, especially those parameters that can maintain a stable electro-osmotic flow, are strictly controlled and stabilized to significantly improve peak repeatability. In the second strategy, either the peak position is corrected using internal standards or the peak time is converted into other variables, such as electrophoretic mobility, to offset or eliminate some unstable factors, thereby improving the repeatability and even reproducibility of the peaks; this strategy is useful when plotting signals versus the migration time ratio, correlated migration time, effective mobility, or temperature-correlated mobility. In the third strategy, a new methodology called highly reproducible CE (HRCE) is established using theoretical studies to explore better principles for real-time CE with the aim of the complete removal of the challenge from the root. This strategy includes the development of novel methods that plot electropherograms based on weighted mobility, migrated charge, charge density, or partial differential molar charge density. Similar to ordinary CE approaches, this strategy can also draw electropherograms based on the ratios of these properties. As theoretically predicted, these novel methods can offset or resist changes in critical CE conditions (mainly electric field strength, capillary length and diameter, and/or some buffer parameters such as concentration). Our experimental results demonstrate that given certain prerequisites, a new set of methods can produce highly reproducible electropherograms. This review focuses on the theoretical basis and advancements of HRCE, and elucidates the link between electrophoretic migration/peak expression theories and their impact on reproducibility. Studies on the transformation of time-scale electropherograms in the CE literature are summarized and analyzed in general. However, this review does not directly discuss research on and progress in improving CE repeatability or reproducibility through instrument upgrades, parameter optimization, or practical method refinements.

Quick and Concise Nonaqueous Capillary Electrophoresis Approach for Simultaneous Separation and Determining Five Phytohormones

A new, quick and concise nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis approach has been matured to separate phytohormones involving indobutyric acid, indoleacetic acid, abscisic acid, 1-naphthaleneacetic acid and gibberellin. Using a running buffer composed of 85% methyl cyanide, 0.8% 1.0 M caustic soda and 20.0 mM methanol ammonium acetate, satisfactory separation of five phytohormone standards was achieved within 4 mins. The lowest detection limit was obtained for 1-naphthaleneacetic-acid (0.06 and#181;g/ml) and the highest for gibberellin (1.71 and#181;g/ml). The approach has been utilized for wheat bud samples with spiked 5 phytohormones using a solid phase extraction procedure, acquiring recovery percentage ranging from 95 to 102%.

Multidimensional Separations in Top-Down Proteomics.

Top-down proteomics (TDP) identifies, quantifies, and characterizes proteins at the intact proteoform level in complex biological samples to understand proteoform function and cellular mechanisms. However, analyzing complex biological samples using TDP is still challenging due to high sample complexity and wide dynamic range. High-resolution separation methods are often applied prior to mass spectrometry (MS) analysis to decrease sample complexity and increase proteomics throughput. These separation methods, however, may not be efficient enough to characterize low abundance intact proteins in complex samples. As such, multidimensional separation techniques (combination of two or more separation methods with high orthogonality) have been developed and applied that demonstrate improved separation resolution and more comprehensive identification in TDP. A suite of multidimensional separation methods that couple various types of liquid chromatography (LC), capillary electrophoresis (CE), and/or gel electrophoresis-based separation approaches have been developed and applied in TDP to analyze complex biological samples. Here, we reviewed multidimensional separation strategies employed for TDP, summarized current applications, and discussed the gaps that may be addressed in the future.

Boosting the Separation of Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Proteins by Liquid Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis Approaches.

The purity of the three capsid proteins that make up recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is considered a critical quality attribute of gene therapy products. As such, there is a clear need to develop separation methods capable of rapidly characterizing these three viral proteins (VPs). In this study, the potential benefits and limitations of different electrophoretic and chromatographic methods were evaluated, including capillary electrophoresis-sodium dodecyl sulfate (CE-SDS), reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC), and hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), for the analysis of VPs obtained from different serotypes (i.e., AAV2, AAV5, AAV8, and AAV9). CE-SDS is considered to be the reference method and provides a suitable separation of VP1-3 proteins using generic conditions and laser induced fluorescence detection. However, the characterization of post-translational modifications (i.e., phosphorylation, oxidation) remains difficult, and species identification is almost impossible due to the lack of compatibility between CE-SDS and mass spectrometry (MS). In contrast, RPLC and HILIC were found to be less generic than CE-SDS and require tedious optimization of the gradient conditions for each AAV serotype. However, these two chromatographic approaches are inherently compatible with MS, and were shown to be particularly sensitive in detecting capsid protein variants resulting from different post-translational modifications. Finally, despite being non-denaturing, HIC offers disappointing performance for viral capsid proteins characterization.

Developmental validation of the ForenSeq MainstAY kit, MiSeq FGx sequencing system and ForenSeq Universal Analysis Software

For human identification purposes, forensic genetics has primarily relied upon a core set of autosomal (and to a lesser extent Y chromosome) short tandem repeat (STR) markers that are enriched by amplification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that are subsequently separated and detected using capillary electrophoresis (CE). While STR typing conducted in this manner is well-developed and robust, advances in molecular biology that have occurred over the last 15 years, in particular massively parallel sequencing (MPS) [1-7], offer certain advantages as compared to CE-based typing. First and foremost is the high throughput capacity of MPS. Current bench top high throughput sequencers enable larger batteries of markers to be multiplexed and multiple samples to be sequenced simultaneously (e.g., millions to billions of nucleotides can be sequenced in one run). Second, compared to the length-based CE approach, sequencing STRs increases discrimination power, enhances sensitivity of detection, reduces noise due to instrumentation, and improves mixture interpretation [4,8-23]. Third, since detection of STRs is based on sequence and not fluorescence, amplicons can be designed that are shorter in length and of similar lengths among loci, where possible, which can improve amplification efficiency and analysis of degraded samples. Lastly, MPS offers a single format approach that can be applied to analysis of a wide variety of genetic markers of forensic interest (e.g., STRs, mitochondrial DNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms, insertion/deletions). These features make MPS a desirable technology for casework [14,15,24,25-48]. The developmental validation of the ForenSeq MainstAY library preparation kit with the MiSeq FGx Sequencing System and ForenSeq Universal Software is reported here to assist with validation of this MPS system for casework [49]. The results show that the system is sensitive, accurate and precise, specific, and performs well with mixtures and mock case-type samples.

Luminescence technique for studying the growth of AgInS2 quantum dots

Although nanoparticle production techniques are well-known, getting nanoparticles with specific characteristics that enable their application as biosensors is an entirely other problem. Many issues occur as a result of employing the method for producing repeatable and time-stable nanostructures. We created AgInS2 nanoparticles as colloidal quantum dots in a variety of methods to test the efficiency of the synthesis process on the optical characteristics of the nanoparticles, as well as their size, composition, absorption, and luminescence spectra. The capillary electrophoresis (CE) approach for AgInS2 production was employed, with modifications in solvent and temperature, to get nanocrystal (NC) particles. The researchers discovered that Ag accumulation in the InS lattice promotes deformation which leads to structural defects. Consequently, the direction of a nanoparticle light band may now be changed. The features of mixed AgInS2 nanoparticles have been examined with respect to different fabrication procedures, surface stability, and metal impurity incorporation. One band dominates in the luminescence spectra of AgxIn1–xS2 nanoparticles. The relationship between the stoichiometric ratio, luminescence amplitude, line width, and the maximum wavelength is investigated. The average size of the received nanocrystals was determined using dynamic light scattering studies. The computed nanoparticle diameter range has an average particle size of 3–3.5 nm.

Viability study of clinical bacterial strains by capillary electrophoresis and flow cytometry approaches.

One of the challenges medicine faces is the constantly growing resistance of pathogens to various classes of antibiotics. In this study, we investigated the use of capillary electrophoresis (CE) to characterize and assess the physiological states of three clinical bacterial strains-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), and Escherichia coli extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESβL)-exposed to different antibiotics. All chosen bacteria are the leading causes of healthcare-associated and hospital-acquired invasive infections in adults. In the first part of the research, it was determined the optimal incubation time of the tested strains with antibiotics, represented as an optimal time of 24h. In the second part, we have compared two approaches: flow cytometry (FC) as a standard method and CE as a proposed alternative approach. The viability of clinical strains treated with different class antibiotics calculated in CE measurements was strongly correlated (>0.83 for MSSA, >0.92 for ESβL and MRSA) with the viability obtained on the basis of FC measurements. As a result, CE has a chance to become a modern diagnostic method used in clinical practice. The CE cutoff was found to be 50%; above this value, the strain shows resistance to the action of the antibiotic.

Analytical Methods for Estimation of Curcumin in Bulk, Pharmaceutical Formulation and in Biological Samples

Curcumin natural chemical constituents extracted from Curcuma longa has been extensively studied because of its various pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, antitumor, antibiotic, antiprotozoal, immunomodulatory and anticarcinogenic effects. Analytical methods play an important role to describe physicochemical properties of drug. Several techniques for estimating curcumin in turmeric powder and pharmaceutical formulations have been developed to improve the demand for analytical methods of curcumin. Various analytical methods for estimating curcumin (spectrophotometric, chromatographic, capillary electrophoresis, and biosensor approaches) have been fully reviewed and discussed in this study.

Assessment of Microsatellite Instability from Next-Generation Sequencing Data.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a genetic alteration due to a deficiency of the DNA mismatch repair system, where microsatellites accumulate insertions/deletions. This phenotype has been extensively characterized in colorectal cancer and is also sought in the context of Lynch syndrome diagnosis. It has recently been described in dozens of cancer types from whole genome/exome sequencing data, bearing some prognostic information. Moreover, MSI has also proven to be a major predicator of the response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy in solid cancer patients. Among the different methods developed for MSI detection in cancer, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a promising and versatile technology offering many possibilities and advantages in diverse clinical applications compared to the gold standard PCR and capillary electrophoresis approach. NGS could notably increase the number of analyzed microsatellites and potentially be used to analyze other genetic alterations required for precision oncology. However, it requires the development of robust new computational algorithms for the analysis of NGS microsatellite data. In this chapter, we describe the different approaches developed for the assessment of MSI from NGS data in cancer, including the different microsatellite panels and computational algorithms proposed, highlighting their advantages and drawbacks, and their evaluation in different clinical applications.

The Validation and Application of a Novel CYP2C19 Genotyping Approach Based on Capillary Electrophoresis in Chinese Han population.

CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms have been described to have an important influence on the drug metabolism observed in human populations. A series of PCR-based molecule detection methods are applied to identify CYP2C19 genotype. The aim of the study is to validate the novel CYP2C19 genotyping approach with other methods and reveal the allele frequency distribution of CYP2C19 in Chinese Han population. We applied a novel genotyping approach for CYP2C19 gene which was combining direct PCR and capillary electrophoresis (CE) technique. A series of fluorescent labeled primers were designed to amplify the particular DNA fragments which indicated the wild type of CYP2C19 genotype. The variants consist of CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3 and CYP2C19*17 alleles. Both the novel PCR-based CE method and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) method were used to identify the CYP2C19 genotypes in 324 whole blood samples originated from Chinese Han population. According to the different criterions for judgement of two methods, we can obtain the CYP2C19 alleles and genotypes of the same participants. Kappa statistics was used to evaluate the consistency of the two results and the frequencies of CYP2C19 alleles. The genotypes in Chinese Han population were calculated using EXCEL. Furthermore, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the CYP2C19 genotypes obtained by using the novel approach, Sanger sequencing was conducted to validate the CYP2C19 genotypes *1/*17 and *2/*3. Among the 324 specimens, 111 were *1/*1, 141 were *1/*2, 10 were *1/*3, 4 were *1/*17, 46 were *2/*2, 10 were *2*/3, 1 was *2/*17, and 1 was *3/*17. Allele distributions for CYP2C19 were *1, *2, *3, and *17 at 58.18%, 37.65%, 3.24%, and 0.93%, respectively. Both PCR-based CE method and RT-qPCR methods had good consistency in the genotypes of CYP2C19 polymorphism (Kappa value = 1.000, p < 0.05). The DNA sequences of CYP2C19 genotype *1/*17 were composed of c.681 G/G, c.636 G/G, and c.-806 C>T. In the same way, the DNA sequences of CYP2C19 genotype *2/*3 were composed of c.681 G>A, c.636 G>A, and c.-806 C/C. The variants including the CYP2C19*2 allele were the most common mutations in Chinese Han unrelated individuals. Both PCR-based CE method and RT-qPCR method had good consistency in the genotypes of CYP2C19 polymorphism. Nevertheless, because of more convenience and higher throughput, the novel PCR-based capillary electrophoresis approach showed to be more suitable for clinical gene screening.

Stronger together: Analytical techniques for recombinant adeno associated virus

With recent FDA approval of two recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV)‐based gene therapies, these vectors have proven that they are suitable to address monogenic diseases. However, rAAVs are relatively new modalities, and their production and therapy costs significantly exceed those of conventional biologics. Thus, significant efforts are made to improve the processes, methods, and techniques used in manufacturing and quality control (QC). Here, we evaluate transmission electron microscopy (TEM), analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), and two modes of capillary electrophoresis (CE) for their ability to analyze the DNA encapsidated by rAAVs. While TEM and AUC are well‐established methods for rAAV, capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) has been just recently proposed for viral genome sizing. The data presented reflect that samples are very complex, with various DNA species incorporated in the virus, including small fragments as well as DNA that is larger than the targeted transgene. CGE provides a good insight in the filling of rAAVs, but the workflow is tedious and the method is not applicable for the determination of DNA titer, since a procedure for the absolute quantification (e.g., calibration) is not yet established. For estimating the genome titer, we propose a simplified capillary zone electrophoresis approach with minimal sample preparation and short separation times (<5 min/run). Our data show the benefits of using the four techniques combined, since each of them alone is prone to delivering ambiguous results. For this reason, a clear view of the rAAV interior can only be provided by using several analytical methods simultaneously.

Accurate profiling of forensic autosomal STRs using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION device

The high variability characteristic of short tandem repeat (STR) markers is harnessed for human identification in forensic genetic analyses. Despite the power and reliability of current typing techniques, sequence-level information both within and around STRs are masked in the length-based profiles generated. Forensic STR typing using next generation sequencing (NGS) has therefore gained attention as an alternative to traditional capillary electrophoresis (CE) approaches. In this proof-of-principle study, we evaluate the forensic applicability of the newest and smallest NGS platform available – the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION device. Although nanopore sequencing on the handheld MinION offers numerous advantages, including low startup cost and on-site sample processing, the relatively high error rate and lack of forensic-specific analysis software has prevented accurate profiling across STR panels in previous studies. Here we present STRspy, a streamlined method capable of producing length- and sequence-based STR allele designations from noisy, error-prone third generation sequencing reads. To assess the capabilities of STRspy, seven reference samples (female: n = 2; male: n = 5) were amplified at 15 and 30 PCR cycles using the Promega PowerSeq 46GY System and sequenced on the ONT MinION device in triplicate. Basecalled reads were then processed with STRspy using a custom database containing alleles reported in the STRSeq BioProject NIST 1036 dataset. Resultant STR allele designations and flanking region single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) calls were compared to the manufacturer-validated genotypes for each sample. STRspy generated robust and reliable genotypes across all autosomal STR loci amplified with 30 PCR cycles, achieving 100% concordance based on both length and sequence. Furthermore, we were able to identify flanking region SNPs in the 15-cycle dataset with > 90% accuracy. These results demonstrate that when analyzed with STRspy ONT reads can reveal additional variation in and around STR loci depending on read coverage. As the first and only third generation sequencing platform-specific method to successfully profile the entire panel of autosomal STRs amplified by a commercially available multiplex, STRspy significantly increases the feasibility of nanopore sequencing in forensic applications.

Efficient genotyping with backwards compatibility: converting a legacy microsatellite panel for muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) to genotyping-by-sequencing chemistry

Microsatellites have been a staple of population genetics research for over three decades, and many large datasets have been generated with these markers. Microsatellites have been used, for example, to conduct genetic monitoring and construct large multigeneration pedigrees as well as genotype thousands of individuals from a given species to create high-resolution baselines of spatial genetic structure. However, the capillary electrophoresis (CE) approach used to genotype microsatellites is inefficient compared to newer genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approaches, and researchers have begun transitioning away from CE. Backward compatibility between GBS and CE would facilitate a seamless transition to a more efficient chemistry, while ensuring that research based on CE panels could continue. Here, we explore the feasibility of converting a legacy panel of 15 microsatellites developed for muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) from CE to GBS chemistry. Muskellunge are an important sportfish in the Great Lakes region, and the existing microsatellite panel has been used to genotype thousands of samples to develop a region-wide baseline of genetic structure. We successfully converted all 15 microsatellites to GBS chemistry. GBS produced high genotyping rates (98%) and had high concordance with CE microsatellite genotypes (99%). Conversion to GBS required redesign of some primers and pairs to shorten amplicon length and adjust melting temperatures, optimization of primer concentrations, and comparisons with CE genotypes to optimize GBS genotyping parameters; however, none of these steps were especially onerous. Our results demonstrate that it is highly feasible to convert legacy CE panels to GBS, ensuring seamless continuation of important, often long-term research.

Evaluation of Enantioselective Capillary Electrophoretic Approach for the Enantiomeric Separation of Abscisic Acid

Background: The application of enantioselective capillary electrophoresis approach for the assessment of the enantiomeric purity of chiral molecules is receiving increased attention. Abscisic acid is one of the chiral sesquiterpenic plant growth regulators that regulate various ecological and physiological roles in higher plants. Enantiomeric determination of ABA is of great concern because of the different biological activity of its enantiomers. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated the enantioseparation selectivity of ABA by incorporating native β-cyclodextrins (β-CD) and its derivatives as chiral modifiers in the background electrolyte of an enantioselective capillary zone electrophoresis system. Electrophoretic aspects that affect the enantiomeric separation, such as pH, types of β-CD and its concentration, applied voltage, injection pressure and time, were studied and optimised. Results and Discussions: An enhancement in enantioseparation was achieved in a bare fused-silica capillary (64.5 cm × 50 mm i.d.) using a background electrolyte solution consisting of (2-hydroxypropyl)- β-CD (80 mM) solubilised in 100 mM phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 5.9 with NaOH, operated under normal polarity mode (25 kV) at 25°C, and using hydrodynamic injection (75 mbar for 10s). Relative standard deviations of (intra- and inter-day) ≤ 3.23% and ≤ 1.39% for migration times and enantiomeric fractions (EF) were achieved using the proposed method. Conclusion: The proposed chiral capillary electrophoretic method offers advantages in terms of enantioselectivity and analysis times, which can serve as a reliable platform for the stereoisomeric analysis of ABA.

A capillary electrophoresis approach for major unsaturated fatty acids screening in milk

Fast methods for milk analysis are internationally desired, and, in this study, a new method for milk unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) is proposed, using capillary zone electrophoresis with direct detection in the ultraviolet region. Run time analysis was 4 min, and sample preparation comprised only a saponification reaction, which indicates the suitability of the method for UFA monitoring in routine analyses by industries and milk researchers. Milk powder samples submitted to different oxygen content (0.3–20.4%) were analysed after ten months of storage to demonstrate method applicability, aiming to evaluate differences in UFA profiles, the most prone to lipid oxidation. No significant difference was noticed within the 95% confidence interval when comparing different samples. Limits of detection (mmol L−1) for UFAs were 0.040 (C18:1 n-9 cis); 0.014 (C18:2 n-6) and 0.010 (C18:3 n-3). Limits of quantification were 0.132, 0.046, and 0.034 mmol L−1, respectively.

The Potential of HTS Approaches for Accurate Genotyping in Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.).

The main challenge associated with genotyping based on conventional length polymorphisms is the cross-laboratory standardization of allele sizes. This step requires the inclusion of standards and manual sizing to avoid false results. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) approaches limit the information to the length polymorphism and do not allow the determination of a complete marker sequence. As an alternative, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) offers complete information regarding marker sequences and their flanking regions. In this work, we investigated the suitability of a semi-quantitative sequencing approach for microsatellite genotyping using Illumina paired-end technology. Twelve microsatellite loci that are well established for grapevine CE typing were analysed on 96 grapevine samples from six different countries. We redesigned primers to the length of the amplicon for short sequencing (~100 bp). The primer pair was flanked with a 10 bp overhang for the introduction of barcodes on both sides of the amplicon to enable high multiplexing. The highest data peaks were determined as simple sequence repeat (SSR) alleles and compared with the CE dataset based on 12 reference samples. The comparison showed that HTS SSR genotyping can successfully replace the CE system in further experiments. We believe that, with next-generation sequencing, genotyping can be improved in terms of its speed, accuracy, and price.

High-affinity and undissociated capillary electrophoresis for DNA strand exchange analysis.

By identification of a super-stable protein-DNA-affinity system, we developed a free-solution capillary electrophoresis approach for rapid and sensitive detection of fundamentally important DNA strand exchange reactions mediated by recombinases. We further extended this assay for identification of hyper-recombinases generated from bioengineering and detection of single DNA mismatches caused by replication error.

New approach to simultaneously identify mitochondrial DNA haplogroups by multiplex PCR-RFLPs and capillary electrophoresis

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genotyping provides a valuable tool for forensic studies and population genetics. Nevertheless, current methodologies for mtDNA genotyping are laborious and expensive. Here, we describe a detailed new multiplex PCR-RFLPs and capillary electrophoresis approach to simultaneously identify six mtDNA haplogroups: A, B, C, D, H & L. 38 samples previously typed by sequencing of the complete mtDNA control region (CR) were analyzed by this methodology. Haplogroups determined by RFLP-PCR for all samples corresponded with the results obtained by sequencing. The results show that this approach effectively allows the simultaneous determination of mtDNA haplogroups commonly present in Latin American populations in a relatively fast and economical way. This methodology offers a good resolution and sensitive detection procedure to assess mtDNA ancestry.

Online preconcentration and determination of chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate and hyaluronic acid in biological and cosmetic samples using capillary electrophoresis.

Capillary electrophoresis with large-volume sample stacking using an electroosmotic flow pump was developed for the determination of chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and hyaluronic acid. Central composite design was used to simultaneously optimize the parameters for capillary electrophoresis separation. The optimized capillary electrophoresis conditions were 200mM sodium dihydrogen phosphate, 200mM butylamine, and 0.5% w/v polyethylene glycol as a background electrolyte, pH 4 and -16kV. Exploiting large-volume sample stacking using an electroosmotic flow pump, the sensitivity of the proposed capillary electrophoresis system coupled with UV detection was significantly improved with limits of detection of 3, 5, 1mg/L for chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and hyaluronic acid, respectively. The developed method was applied to the determination of chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid in cell culture media, cerebrospinal fluid, cosmetic products, and supplementary samples with highly acceptable accuracy and precision. Therefore, the proposed capillary electrophoresis approach was found to be simple, rapid, and reliable for the determination of chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and hyaluronic acid in cell culture media, cerebrospinal fluid, cosmetic, and supplementary samples without sample pretreatment.

Microfluidic Technology for Nucleic Acid Aptamer Evolution and Application.

The intersection of microfluidics and aptamer technologies holds particular promise for rapid progress in a plethora of applications across biomedical science and other areas. Here, the influence of microfluidics on the field of aptamers, from traditional capillary electrophoresis approaches through innovative modern-day approaches using micromagnetic beads and emulsion droplets, is reviewed. Miniaturizing aptamer-based bioassays through microfluidics has the potential to transform diagnostics and embedded biosensing in the coming years.