Determination of Intact Heparin by Capillary Electrophoresis with Contactless Conductivity Detection in Background Electrolytes Containing Hydrophilic Polymers

Intact heparin was characterized and determined in model samples, in infusion solutions and in blood plasma by capillary electrophoresis (CE) with contactless conductivity detection. The CE separation of polydisperse heparin took place in open silica capillaries, in electrolytes containing a polymer (hydroxyethyl)cellulose, poly(ethylene glycol) or dextran. The best separation of heparin from excess inorganic ions present in real samples was attained in a background electrolyte consisting of 0.8 M acetic acid and 1% (w/v) dextran (100 kDa). The limit of detection (LOD) was 1.3 μmol l-1. This electrolyte was used in determination of heparin in blood plasma and in infusion solutions.