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Two-dimensional capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-CE-MS): coupling MS-interfering capillary electromigration methods with mass spectrometry

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Abstract

Electromigration separation techniques often demand certain compounds in the electrolyte to achieve the required selectivity and efficiency. These compounds, including the electrolyte itself, ampholytes, polymeric compounds for sieving, complexing agents, tensides, etc. are often non-volatile. Thus, interference with the electrospray ionization process is a common issue, impeding direct coupling of such electrolyte systems to mass spectrometry. Still, several options exist to obtain mass spectra after separation, including offline fractionation, alternative ionization, dilution, or the change to volatile constituents. In the first part of this article, these methods are discussed. However, all of these options are a compromise of separation performance and sensitivity of mass spectrometric detection. Two-dimensional capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-CE-MS) systems represent a promising alternative to the aforementioned challenges, as they allow the use of existing methods with best separation performance in combination with sensitive mass characterization. In this context, the second part of this article is dedicated to the advantages, limitations, and applications of this approach. Finally, an outlook towards future developments is given.

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Abbreviations

2D:

Two dimensional

AA:

Ascorbic acid

ACE:

Affinity capillary electrophoresis

APCI:

Atmospheric pressure chemical ionization

APPI:

Atmospheric pressure photo ionization

ASA:

Acetylsalicylic acid

BGE:

Background electrolyte

CD:

Cyclodextrin

CE:

Capillary electrophoresis

CSE:

Capillary sieving electrophoresis

CIEF:

Capillary isoelectric focusing

CZE:

Capillary zone electrophoresis

ESI:

Electrospray ionization

ICP:

Inductive-coupled plasma

mAb:

Monoclonal antibody

MALDI:

Matrix-assisted-laser desorption/ionization

MEKC:

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography

MS:

Mass spectrometry

SDS:

Sodium dodecyl sulfate

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Funding

The authors thank Hoffman-La Roche Ltd. (Basel, Switzerland) for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Chemistry, Aalen University, Beethovenstrasse 1, 73430, Aalen, Germany

    Johannes Schlecht, Kevin Jooß & Christian Neusüß

  2. Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Philosophenweg 14, 07743, Jena, Germany

    Johannes Schlecht

  3. Research Unit Analytical BioGeoChemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany

    Kevin Jooß

Authors
  1. Johannes Schlecht
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Correspondence to Christian Neusüß.

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Schlecht, J., Jooß, K. & Neusüß, C. Two-dimensional capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-CE-MS): coupling MS-interfering capillary electromigration methods with mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 410, 6353–6359 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-018-1157-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-018-1157-9

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