Capillary electrophoresis classification methods

Capillary electrophoresis methods may be classified according to the nature of the electrolyte system or according to the contribution of the electroosmotic flow. The former classification is the most popular, and two types of systems have been identified ... 

In this chapter, an overview on the most relevant aspects of the analysis of alkaloids by electromigration methods, namely, capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE), micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC), and capillary electrochromatography (CEC), is given. Selected recent applications of CE in analysis of alkaloids are summarized in a table following the classification according to the chemical nature of the considered compounds. 

The most common classification scheme in electrophoresis focuses on the nature of electrolyte system. Using this scheme, electrophoretic modes are classified as continuous or discontinuous systems. Within these groupings the methods may be further divided on the basis of constancy of the electrolyte if the composition of the background electrolyte is constant as in capillary zone electrophoresis, the result is a kinetic process. If the composition of the electrolyte is not constant, as in isoelectric focusing, the result is a steady-state process. 

---