Highly sensitive analysis based on laser-induced fluorescence detection/capillary electrophoresis

Laser-induced fluorescence detection using diode lasers as excitation light sources has been applied to the highly sensitive analysis of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, amino acids, DNA, and proteins. Diode lasers emitting at the near-infrared to red region were employed for direct and indirect fluorescence detections. In addition, to enhance the sensitivity in capillary electrophoresis, Hadamard transform capillary electrophoresis has been developed. The method includes multiple injection, followed by an inverse Hadamard transformation. Optically gated injection, electrokinetic injection using a microchip, and electrokinetic injection using a laser-fabricated capillary have been developed for achieving multiple sample injection. These methods have permitted multiple sample injection in capillary electrophoresis. The results obtained by Hadamard transform capillary electrophoresis showed a significant improvement in the S/N.