Application of Derringer's desirability function for the selection of optimum separation conditions in capillary zone electrophoresis

In order to obtain a set of optimal experimental conditions for the separation of rare earth metal ions in capillary electrophoresis (CE), a multicriteria approach is applied. For this purpose, the Derringer's desirability function is proposed to determine conditions that will result in the most desirable combination of separation, sensitivity and analysis time. The CE separation method was optimized with the aid of a central composite design for two variables, i.e. the pH and the concentration of a complexing agent in the buffer electrolyte.