Micelles for signal enhancement and novel selectivity of dansyl amino acids

Fluorescence intensity of various chemical species is enhanced in the microenvironment provided by micelles. Parameters which affect fluorescence intensities are examined by using dansyl (Dns) amino acids as the probe. The retention behavior of Dns-amino acids in micellar LC is examined by using ion-exchange-induced stationary phases. The type and concentration of micellar agent and modifier ion as well as concentration of acetonitrile in the mobile phase affect the retention and signal intensity of Dns-amino acids. The order of elution of Dns-amino acids obtained with the micellar mobile phase is very different from that observed in conventional reversed-phase LC. Fluorescence intensities of Dns-amino acids are enhanced by the micellar mobile phase.