Determination of amino acids by micellar EKC: recent advances in method development and novel applications to different matrices.

The extensive use of CE for the analysis of amino acids has been well documented in a series of research articles and reviews. Aim of this report is to address the attention of the reader on the recent advances of micellar electrokinetic chromatography for the separation and determination of these analytes. Enhancements in selectivity of this technique through the use of pseudostationary phases containing mixed micelles, polymers, and chiral selectors are presented. Selected applications concerning separation and quantitation of even minute amounts of amino acids in: (i) biological fluids; (ii) microdialysates; (iii) plant cells; (iv) food stuff; and (v) pharmaceutical formulations have also been covered. Advantages of MEKC over other techniques for the amino acid analysis have been underlined.