An apparatus and method for capillary zone electrophoresis includes a
polyelectrolyte multilayer positioned in a capillary tube for analytical
separations of macromolecules. The capillary comprises a passage defined
by passage walls comprising fused silica. The polyelectrolyte multilayer
is positioned within the passage adjacent the walls, and comprises an
organic polyelectrolyte. The passage may further comprise nonporous
silica particles coated with a multilayer including a plurality of
polyelectrolyte layers. An apparatus includes a power supply having a
positive electrode and a negative electrode for generating an electric
field therebetween. The apparatus includes a capillary having a passage
formed by passage walls and comprising therein a polyelectrolyte
multilayer positioned substantially within the passage. The passage has a
first end electrically connected to the positive electrode and a second
end electrically connected to the negative electrode to thereby generate
an electric field through the passage. The apparatus also includes a
sensor positioned adjacent the passage for sensing macromolecules.