An on-capillary adsorptive phase in combination with capillary electrophoresis (CE), frequently referred to as preconcentration CE, for quantitative analysis of low peptide concentrations was developed. The capillary containing the on-line analyte preconcentrator can be constructed within 5 min from commercially available extraction disks. These disks contain poly(styrenedivinylbenzene) adsorbent particles incorporated in a matrix of inert Teflon, creating a mechanically stable sorbent. Therefore, no frits are needed in the capillary to hold the stationary phase in place. Several parameters, such as the required minimal elution volume, required elution strength, sample application speed or ionic strength, and the capacity were investigated and special interest was given to the quantitative properties of the method. Instead of nL injections, volumes up to a least 25 microL are possible, yielding improvements in detection limits of 3-4 orders of magnitude. The observed limit of detection for both model peptides was 20 pg, corresponding to a 20 microL injection of a 1 ng/mL solution of both model peptides. Using low-wavelength UV detection, reproducibility and linearity in the low nanogram range were satisfactory. No influence of matrix salt concentrations was observed, extending the use of CE to all kinds of samples.

An earlier developed capillary electrophoresis (CE) system with an on-capillary adsorptive phase is investigated for its suitability to quantitate low concentrations of angiotensin II and gonadorelin in plasma. An off-line solid-phase extraction is used for sample preparation. The on-line preconcentration CE system allows multiple capillary volumes of sample solution to be injected, increasing the concentration sensitivity of CE with 3-4 orders of magnitude. Furthermore, possible influence of matrix salts can be ruled out by employing a rinsing step after sample application. Using short-wavelength UV detection, reproducibility and linearity in the low nanomolar range were satisfactory. The capillary could be efficiently regenerated using a programmed between-run rinsing procedure, allowing 20-30 large injections of sample extracts. Coating of the capillary improved the robustness of the method. Mass spectrometric detection via a previously reported sheathless interface increased the selectivity and sensitivity substantially. Recommendations are provided for the sample preparation process, the most critical part of the system. Further purification of the sample is required to allow the loading of larger sample volumes and to optimize the system's robustness.

An on-capillary adsorptive phase in combination with capillary electrophoresis (CE), frequently referred to as preconcentration CE, for quantitative analysis of low peptide concentrations was developed. The capillary containing the on-line analyte preconcentrator can be constructed within 5 min from commercially available extraction disks. These disks contain poly(styrenedivinylbenzene) adsorbent particles incorporated in a matrix of inert Teflon, creating a mechanically stable sorbent. Therefore, no frits are needed in the capillary to hold the stationary phase in place. Several parameters, such as the required minimal elution volume, required elution strength, sample application speed or ionic strength, and the capacity were investigated and special interest was given to the quantitative properties of the method. Instead of nL injections, volumes up to a least 25 microL are possible, yielding improvements in detection limits of 3-4 orders of magnitude. The observed limit of detection for both model peptides was 20 pg, corresponding to a 20 microL injection of a 1 ng/mL solution of both model peptides. Using low-wavelength UV detection, reproducibility and linearity in the low nanogram range were satisfactory. No influence of matrix salt concentrations was observed, extending the use of CE to all kinds of samples.