title: Background and operating parameters in microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography.
abstract: Microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography (MEEKC) is an electrodriven separation technique. Separations are generally achieved using microemulsions consisting of surfactant-coated nanometer-sized oil droplets suspended in aqueous buffer. A cosurfactant such as a short-chain alcohol is generally used to stabilize the microemulsion. This review summarizes the various microemulsion types and compositions that have been used in MEEKC. The effects of key-operating variables such as surfactant type and concentration, cosurfactant type and concentration, buffer pH and type, oil type and concentration, use of organic solvent and cyclodextrin additions, and temperature are described. Specific examples of water-in-oil microemulsions and chirally selective separations are also covered.
authors.affiliation: GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Ware, Herts, UK. kevin.d.altria@gsk.com
authors.forename: Kevin D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Altria
authors.forename: Pierre-Etienne
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Mahuzier
authors.forename: Brian J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D020374:Chromatography, Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary / Q000379:methods*; D004655:Emulsions; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D004655:Emulsions; D007202:Indicators and Reagents