books and software
Finding the middle ground for CE
Practical Capillary Electrophoresis, 2nd edition Robert Weinberger Academic Press, 2000, 462 pp, $99.95
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riting a readable book that covers CE is a daunting task because this analytical tool has rapidly evolved into an array of related techniques that are used
to analyze an extensive range of compounds, such as DNA, peptides, and small ions. Applications and research involving CE have exploded over the past two decades, and not surprisingly, so have the number of books written about it. Most CE books fall into two categories: the encyclopedia/handbook, or the introductory text. However, the second edition of Practical Capillary Electrophoresis falls between these two extremes. The practical and theoretical aspects of CE are discussed in the book. This edition covers the transition of HPLC methods to CE, background information on the CE process, and CE’s modes of operation. Mobility and electroosmotic flow are explained, and well-written descriptions of the effects of buffer composition, temperature, and capillary composition are offered. For the more experienced CE user, the book includes a survey of the field; tables of buffer recipes; and lists of the properties of derivatizing agents, pop-
ular modes of analysis for selected analytes, and standard CE equations. The book also covers capillary zone electrophoresis, capillary isoelectric focusing, and capillary electrochromatography. Although not all CE methods are covered, there is an extensive list of updated references to point the readers to more complete descriptions. Overall, the book is formatted with easy-to-read text and logically organized information. Most chapters start with a detailed explanation of the CE process and then present many “real-world” examples. Although most of the information and examples are geared toward the industrial use of CE, academic laboratories and graduate students should find the text very helpful.
Reviewed by Jonathan Sweedler, Jason Page, and Xin Zhang, University of Illinois
Books Received Further Developments in Scientific Optical Imaging Edited by M. Bonner Denton Royal Society of Chemistry, 2000, 208 pp, $140 Topics include CCDs, applications for microscopy and spectroscopy, design considerations, device fabrication and integration, and data reduction. This book is aimed at developers, manufacturers, and users in universities, observatories, and businesses. Analysis of Environmental Endocrine Disrupters Edited by Lawrence H. Keith, Tammy L. Jones-Lepp, and Larry L. Needham Oxford University Press, 2000, 174 pp, $75 This book, ACS Symposium Series 747, explores the effect of endocrinedisrupting chemicals (ECDs) on humans, wildlife, and research animals, and details efforts to develop screening methods. Regulatory and policy issues are also covered.
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Unified Chromatography Edited by J. F. Parcher and T. L. Chester Oxford University Press, 2000, 250 pp, $110 This book, ACS Symposium Series 748, explores the use of unconventional techniques, such as high temperatures, high pressures, irregular fluids, and intermolecular interactions, in the field of chromatography.
Chemistry and Physics of Carbon, Vol. 27 Edited by Ljubisa R. Radovic Marcel Dekker, 2001, 416 pp, $225 This volume covers some interdisciplinary topics in the use of carbon. Some of the topics discussed include the use of carbon materials in gas-and liquidphase environmental applications, NMR spectroscopy, and electrolyte solutions.
Capillary Electrophoresis for Food Analysis: Method Development Richard A. Frazier, Jennifer M. Ames, and Harry E. Nursten Royal Society of Chemistry, 2000, 128 pp, $99
Quality and Reliability in Analytical Chemistry Hassan Y. Aboul-Enein, Raluca-Loana Stefan, and George-Emil Baiulescu CRC Press, 2000, 104 pp, $49.95
This book provides guidelines for developing separation methods for food analysis by CE, particularly using capillary zone electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic chromatography. The reader is taken step by step through the development and troubleshooting processes. Detailed examples are included in the appendices.
This book reinforces how to get highquality data from analytical experiments by examining the reliability of the steps involved in the analytical process. The steps covered include sample investigation, methodology, instrument selection, data processing, automation, and proper standards and standardization.
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