Microscale liquid phase separations

Miniaturization and microfabrication of analytical instrumentation for chemical and biological analysis has gained momentum with the introduction and application of microfabricated instruments. Developments in CEC, capillary LC, CE, and MEKC provide a range of selectivities and separation mechanisms that extend the reach of microscale separations to encompass a large pool of prospective analytes and matrices. Detection technologies include off-chip UV or mass spectrometric (MS) detection and on-chip fluorescence and electrochemical detection. Surface modifications can also be made to facilitate sorption of analytes on the channel walls, such that open tubular capillary electrochromatography (CEC) separations can be achieved.