Replacement of H2O by D2O in capillary zone electrophoresis can increase resolution of peptides and proteins

Abstract

Water (H₂O) based buffer solutions are generally used in capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) for the separation of peptides and proteins; the replacement of H₂O by D₂O in the supporting electrolyte (pH, pD ca. 7.8) contributes to the suppression of electroosmotic flow, mainly due to the higher viscosity of D₂O and can result in enhanced resolution of substrates without the use of additives.