Abstract: Ampholytic solute zones which have been stabilized by isoelectrical focusing in a separation medium such as a capillary are mobilized by the introduction of a relatively large quantity of zwitterion to one of the electrode chambers. When a voltage is then applied between the electrode chambers as in the focusing stage, the zwitterion migrates into the separation medium in accordance with the isoelectric point of the zwitterion. The voltage is maintained to caused continuous migration of the zwitterion into the capillary, thereby forming an expanding zone which displaces the focused zones formed in the focusing stage and causes them to travel axially through the capillary toward a detection point or out of the capillary for purposes of recovery.

Abstract: Spontaneous and undesired electroendosmosis in a capillary during an electrophoretic separation procedure is suppressed by the inclusion of a viscosity-raising additive in one or both of the electrode chamber solutions. The additive is either a viscous water-soluble polymer, a hydrophilic gel, or a combination of the two.