Principles of Electromigration Techniques

Abstract

Electromigration techniques provide the separation of analyzed sample components owing to external voltage generating electrokinetic phenomena— electrophoresis and electroosmosis. Taking into account the relatively large number of parameters dealt with during electrophoretic analyses, it is essential to know their influence on the achieved separation of analytes. In this chapter the theoretical and practical aspects of a resolution optimization, as well as the effect of different separation parameters on the migration behavior are described. These, among others, include migration time, efficiency, selectivity, and resolution. The influence of electrods polarization, applied voltage, temperature, capillary, back- ground electrolyte, and various additives on the separation is also discussed.