Individual liposome measurements by capillary electrophoresis with postcolumn laser-induced fluorescence detection facilitated the determination of liposome property distributions, two-dimensional plots, and an improved characterization of a liposomal preparation. This advancement in liposome analysis was feasible by using a high-sensitivity postcolumn laser-induced fluorescence detector wired for millisecond response. For each individual liposome containing fluorescein, peak height and migration time were determined. From these measurements the individual entrapped volumes and electrophoretic mobilities were determined. Distribution analysis of these properties facilitated comparison of various liposome dilutions and indicated that the method is reproducible and unaffected by the density of liposomes (10(7)-10(9) liposomes/mL) in the suspension. Furthermore, liposomes showed entrapped volumes that vary from 0.3 to 13 fL with apparent radius varying from 370 nm to 1.8 microns. Two-dimensional plots of reduced mobility versus kappa R (Debye parameter x liposome radius) revealed that the liposomes resuspended from a dried film of phospholipids are heterogeneous in regard to the surface charge density of individual liposomes. The described method has the potential of becoming a new tool for characterization of commercial liposomal preparations and theoretical studies.