Nanomaterials in microchip electrophoresis – A review

• Published in: TrAC, Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.) Trends in analytical chemistry (Regular ed.), 2023-08, Vol.165, p.117111, Article 117111
• Main Authors: Jozanović, Marija, Pukleš, Iva, Sakač, Nikola, Carrilho, Emanuel, Kilár, Anikó, Matasović, Brunislav, Samardžić, Mirela, Budetić, Mateja, Kilár, Ferenc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: analytical chemistry; chemical species; electrophoresis; Gold nanoparticles; lab-on-a-chip technology; Magnetic nanoparticles; Microchip electrophoresis; Microfluidics; Nanomaterials; Preconcentration; Separation
• ISSN: 0165-9936; 1879-3142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.117111

Microchip electrophoresis is the most promising method for developing an integrated lab-on-a-chip device for preconcentration, separation, and detection of various compounds in a single device. The unique properties of nanomaterials and the possibility to manufacture nanomaterials with tailored properties have opened up vast possibilities for their use in electrophoresis. This comprehensive review provides an overview of recent applications of nanomaterials in microchip electrophoresis published in the literature since 2010, with noting some earlier published fundamental papers. The latest developments in using new nanomaterials as stationary and pseudostationary phases for optimizing separation conditions are presented and the applications of new microchip electrophoresis methods are discussed. Additionally, the use of nanomaterials for preconcentration (sample preparation) of analytes prior to the microchip electrophoresis analysis is also summarized. The purpose of this review is to highlight the increased capabilities of microchip electrophoresis and nanomaterial synergy as a progressive area of analytical separation methods. •Up-to-date overview of nano-inspired advances in microchip electrophoresis.•Enhanced capabilities in microchip electrophoresis and nanomaterials synergism.•Historical perspective of microchip electrophoresis and nanomaterials.•Magnetic nanoparticles for the advancement of microchip electrophoresis separation.•Aptamers conjugated to nanoparticles in microchip electrophoretic separation.