Methods and instrumentation for quantitative microchip capillary electrophoresis

The development of novel instrumentation and analytical methodology for quantitative microchip capillary electrophoresis (MCE) is described in this thesis. Demanding only small quantities of reagents and samples, microfluidic instrumentation is highly advantageous. Fast separations at high voltages have been performed, which require the use of flexible high-voltage power supplies that have been developed in this work. An introductory overview of the general requirements of MCE is provided. Differences of chip-based CE and conventional CE are addressed, and the effects of buffer decomposition, reactions at electrodes, clogging of microchips, surface interactions, injection and power supply as well as detector-related problems on measurements are discussed. Additionally also strategies for proper analysis and technical solutions are identified.