Fast analysis of glycosaminoglycans by microchip electrophoresis with in situ fluorescent detection using ethidium bromide

We analyzed some glycosaminoglycans and natural and artificial acidic polysaccharides using microchip electrophoresis in the buffer containing ethidium bromide, and found that they were successfully separated and detected within 150 s with comparable sensitivity with that of conventional electrophoresis using cellulose acetate membrane. We applied the technique to the analysis of glycosaminoglycans in pharmaceutical preparations and also in cultured cancer cells. Rapidness and easy operation of the proposed technique are quite useful for routine analysis of glycosaminoglycans.