1. What is Capillary Electrophoresis?

Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) is an analytical technique used to separate sample components by introducing them into a narrow capillary tube and applying a high voltage. Its high resolution and rapid analysis capabilities make it invaluable in fields such as pharmaceuticals, chemistry, and food science.

2. Principles of Capillary Electrophoresis

CE leverages the differences in the mobility of charged particles under an electric field to separate analytes. When a high voltage is applied to the electrolyte-filled capillary tube containing the sample, components are separated based on their unique electrophoretic mobility.

3. Overview and Specifications of CE Systems

A typical CE system consists of the following components:

• High Voltage Power Supply: Provides the required voltage for electrophoresis.
• Capillary Tube: A thin tube, typically with an internal diameter of tens of micrometers, where separation occurs.
• Detector: Uses techniques such as UV-Vis absorption or fluorescence to identify separated components.
• Data Processing Unit: Analyzes and visualizes the detection signals.

4. Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis

CE is widely used in the following fields:

• Pharmaceutical Analysis: Testing drug purity and analyzing impurities.
• Food Analysis: Quantifying additives and nutritional components.
• Environmental Analysis: Detecting ions and pollutants in water quality testing.
• Biochemical Research: Separating and analyzing proteins and nucleic acids.

5. Use Cases in Thailand

Food Industry: In Thailand's food export sector, CE is employed for quality control, such as analyzing additives and pesticide residues in fruits and seafood.

Environmental Monitoring: Thai environmental agencies use CE for water quality testing and soil analysis, monitoring pollutants and ensuring compliance with standards.

6. Advantages and Challenges of Capillary Electrophoresis

Advantages:

• High separation efficiency and short analysis times.
• Minimal sample and reagent requirements, reducing costs.
• Simultaneous analysis of cations and anions.

Challenges:

• Limited sensitivity for some analytes without advanced detection methods.
• Requires skilled operators for precise adjustments and troubleshooting.

7. Future Advancements in CE Technology

Emerging advancements in CE include improvements in detection sensitivity through advanced optical systems, the integration of artificial intelligence for automated analysis, and portable CE systems for on-site testing. These innovations will expand the accessibility and utility of CE in various applications.