A capillary electrophoresis detection scheme for underivatized amino acids based on luminol-BrO- chemiluminescence system

A novel chemiluminescence (CL) detection scheme has been developed for detecting underivatized amino acids following capillary electrophoresis (CE) separation. This detection was based on the inhibitory effect of amino acids on the CL reaction between luminol and BrO- in alkaline aqueous solution. Detection of amino acids was accomplished with a borate-based background electrolyte at pH 9.2. The luminol was used as a component of the separation carrier electrolyte. Parameters affecting CE-CL separation and detection, such as the pH value, the concentration of electrolyte and CL reagent on the resolution were optimized. The relative standard deviation for the analysis of amino acids was less than 1.5% for the migration time and 4% for the peak height. The mass limits of detection were from 7 to 144 fmol for the 7 amino acids. This method has been applied of 7 amino acids in amino acid injection. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.