Analysis of Carbohydrates by Capillary Electrophoresis

Carbohydrates are next to nucleic acids and proteins the third important class of biopolymers and we are just beginning to understand their role in biological systems on a molecular level. In recent years, the post-translational modification of proteins has obtained increased interest. Specifically the glycosylation of enzymes, receptors and antibodies is the focus of numerous research porjects as it becomes clear that carbohydrates are involved in cellular communication and immuno recognition processes. In order ot understand this "sweet sugar language" and consequently use it in proteomics and the development of biopharmaceuticals, suitable analytical techniques have to be developed to separate carbohydrates with high selectivity in complex biological matrices and quantify them in in minute quantities. The present monograph covers all aspects of carbohydrate analysis by Capillary Electrophoresis including instrumental aspects, derivatization for high sensitivity applications, separation conditions and applications in various fields and industries. It will be a valuable source of information for everyone involved in carbohydrate research in life sciences including glycobiology, biotechnology and immunology and in the food industry.