Movable contactless-conductivity detector for microchip capillary electrophoresis

A new movable contactless-conductivity detection system for microchip capillary electrophoresis is introduced. Such a versatile system relies on positioning the detector at different points along the separation channel via "sliding" the electrode holder. The new movable microchip detection system offers distinct improvements compared to common fixed-location conductivity detectors. For example, placing the detector at different locations along the microchannel offers useful insights into the separation process. Three-dimensional plots of resolution/channel length/separation voltage can be used for optimizing the separation process and selecting the analysis time. The system enables rapid switching between "total" (unresolved) and "individual" (resolved/fingerprint) signals on the basis of placing the detector at the beginning and end of the separation channel, respectively. By moving the detector to a shorter effective separation length, after eluting fast-migrating ions, shorter analysis times can be achieved (through faster detection of late-eluting analytes). These and other improvements in the analytical performance and insights into the separation process are illustrated in connection with the detection of low-energy ionic explosives and nerve agent degradation products.