Innovative developments in isotachophoresis (displacement electrophoresis).

This Mini Review is aimed at characterizing the innovative developments in isotachophoresis (ITP) during the past few years, discussing in turn new theoretical, analytical, preparative and applicative aspects of this unique separation method. Examples given from our laboratory include the study of the detailed dynamics of the ITP separation of four components by computer simulation and experimental validation in a capillary-type instrument with multiple sensors along the separation trough; the anionic ITP analysis in presence of a strong cathodic electroosmotic flow using an open-tubular fused-silica capillary with on-column multiwavelength detection, and the fractionation of proteins in a screen-segmented, rotating column as well as by recycling ITP.