Separation of bacteria by capillary electrophoresis

Differences in the surface charges of bacteria can be exploited for their separation by capillary electrophoresis. Because of their low electrophoretic mobility, the separation is not always easy to perform, especially in the presence of the electroosmotic flow. Elimination of electroosmotic flow by capillary wall modification with γ‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate followed by acrylamide bonding permits separation over a distance of 8.5 cm.