Analysis of microorganisms by capillary electrophoresis

Microorganisms are well known for their positive, as well as negative, effects on health, which mean that there is a great need for methods of discovery, identification and determination of microorganisms. In the past decade, capillary electrophoresis (CE) began to be an interesting tool for analysis of microorganisms, interestingly sometimes with similar dimensions for the separation capillary and the microorganisms.This review focuses on the use of CE in the analysis of microorganisms. First, it looks at the origin of microbial surface charge and then describes key points in the analysis of microbes by capillary zone electrophoresis [first approaches using poly(ethylene oxide), covalent modification of the inner capillary wall, reversed electroosmotic flow, advances in detection, and on-line preconcentration] and capillary isoelectric focusing.

► Microorganisms can be analyzed by capillary electrophoresis.
► The zeta potential of microorganisms plays a key role in their migration.
► Aggregation hampers the separation of microorganism.
► On-line preconcentration of microorganisms is possible.
► Identification of microorganisms according to the mobility is insufficient.