Construction of Time-Resolved Fluorescence Detector for Amino Compounds after High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Using Europium Chelate

We have constructed a simple, low-cost, time-resolved fluorescence detector (TRFD) for analysis of amino compounds with high-performance liquid chromatography using europium (Eu3+) chelates, which consists of a dc-operated xenon lamp, two synchronized mechanical choppers, and spectroscopic filters. Amino compounds derivatized by isothiocyanobenzyl EDTA with Eu3+ chelate are mixed with an enhancer solution postcolumn and detected by the TRFD. Taking advantage of the long fluorescence lifetime of the Eu3+ chelates, high selectivity against background fluorecein is achieved. To demonstrate the usefulness of the TRFD, fundamental performance test comparison with the conventional fluorescence detector was carried out. Details of the system are also described.