In situ cell for electrochemically generated Ru(bpy)33+-based chemiluminescence detection in capillary electrophoresis Original Research Article

A significant number of different chemical functional groups can be sensitively detected via their chemiluminescent reaction with Ru(bpy)33+, thus suggesting that this detection strategy may have widespread application in a variety of important areas. These include immunodiagnostic applications as well as detection following HPLC or capillary electrophoretic separation. In this work, Ru(bpy)33+-based chemiluminescence detection in capillary electrophoresis (CE) using a continuous in situ generation scheme will be demonstrated and shown to provide advantages over other Ru3+ generation protocols. Ru(bpy)33+-based CL detection can be used to detect most amines and amino acids without derivatization, thus facilitating the optimization of the CE separation process independent of the detection method. The in situ cell described herein can operate continuously without the need to replenish the Ru(bpy)32+ reservoir and provides precise control of the electrochemical, light generation and detection processes. The important operational parameters for the in situ approach as applied to CE will be identified and optimized, and the quantitative characteristics of this approach evaluated.