MEKC Separation of Gold Nanoparticles

A researcher from the National University of Kaohsiung (Kaohsiung, Taiwan) used micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) to preconcentrate and separate gold nanoparticles. A reversed electrode polarity stacking mode approach was used for the on-line enhancement and separation. Parameters affecting the separation included the sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant concentration, salts in the nanoparticle solution, the running electrolyte pH, and the capillary temperature. The researcher obtained enhanced detection sensitivities for the gold nanoparticles compared with those obtained using standard MEKC analysis conditions.