Enantiomeric Separation by Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography Using Saponins

Glycyrrhizic acid (GRA) and β-escin were employed in micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) for enantiomeric separation. Both GRA and β-escin are saponins and natural chiral surfactants. A mixed micelle consisting of GRA, octyl-β-D-glucoside, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was successfully used for enantiomeric separation of dansy-lated DL-amino acids. β-Escin was also employed to prepare a mixed micelle with SDS and the mixed micelle was capable of separating phe-nylthiohydantoin-DL-amino acids under acidic conditions.