Multivariate optimization of capillary electrophoresis methods: A critical review

•Recent applications of multivariate optimization of CE methods are reviewed.•The characteristics of the applied chemometric strategies are summarized in tables.•A critical discussion on multivariate optimization of CE methods is presented.

In this article a review on the recent applications of multivariate techniques for optimization of electromigration methods, is presented. Papers published in the period from August 2007 to February 2013, have been taken into consideration. Upon a brief description of each of the involved CE operative modes, the characteristics of the chemometric strategies (type of design, factors and responses) applied to face a number of analytical challenges, are presented. Finally, a critical discussion, giving some practical advices and pointing out the most common issues involved in multivariate set-up of CE methods, is provided.

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