Background and operating parameters in microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography

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.