Capillary electrochromatography–mass spectrometry for the separation and identification of isomeric polyaromatic hydrocarbon DNA adducts derived from in vitro reactions

Capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is an emerging technique that combines features of both micro-capillary high-performance liquid chromatography (μHPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). This separation technique possesses high speed and the efficiency of an electro-driven system, while the selectivity and sample loadability compare to those of a packed capillary LC column. Since the separation mechanism is based on that of HPLC, the concept of isoeluotropic strength and selectivity of solvents as well as the on-column focusing techniques for sample introduction used in LC can be applied in CEC. This article examines some of these features of CEC in the context of our own experiences with the technique. More specifically, emphasis is placed on applications of CEC to the analysis of DNA adducts of polyaromatic hydrocarbons by coupling CEC to mass spectrometry. It is shown that, with proper selection of mixed organic modifiers in the mobile phase, i.e. ternary and quaternary mobile phases, complex DNA adduct mixtures derived from in vitro reactions can be separated isocratically with improved selectivity and much greater speed than by HPLC. Additionally, the speed of the analysis is further enhanced by employing a step gradient. Furthermore, CEC may be easily coupled to mass spectrometry such that the characterization of each isolated component from the mixtures is performed on-line with the separation. By using on-column focusing, the sample loadability onto a CEC column is improved.