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HPTLC and TLC

Techniques > TLC and HPTLC 

TLC and HPTLC are both planar chromatography techniques in which substances are separated on a flat thin layer of stationary phase mounted on a glass or foil support using a nearly unlimited choice of mobile phases. Thin layer chromatography  (TLC) is a simple, flexible and cost effective separation technique that enables the simultaneous analysis of many substances. It is generally a manual technique, which makes it easy and inexpensive. 

What is HPTLC?

HPTLC Applications

HPTLC has many uses and applications in a variety of industries, and there are more still that have been largely unexplored!

It provides many unique advantages over more popular analytical techniques.

  • Quick analysis time

  • Simple sample preparation

  • Multiple samples can be run and analysed in parallel

  • Single use plate means no clean-up and no cross-contamination

  • A greater variety of solvents can be used for the mobile phase (compared to HPLC)

  • Lower solvent consumption (compared to TLC and HPLC) make it a low cost and environmentally friendly technique

  • Multiple detections can be carried out on one plate after development

  • Suitable for both chemical and biological analysis

  • A visual technique that allows for simple interpretation

Quantification of Nicotine in liquids for electronic cigarettes

Useful Websites

Application Fields

Herbal Medicines and Botanicals

  • Identification

  • Assay of marker compounds

  • Detection of adulteration

Food and Feed

  • Quality control

  • Additives assesment

  • Detection of pesticides

Forensic Analysis

  • Drugs of abuse testing

  • Detection of explosives

  • Document forgery

Pharmaceutical and Clinical

  • Quality control analysis

  • Metabolism studies

  • Drug screening

Cosmetics

  • ​Identifying raw materials

  • Preservatives, colourings

  • Quality control

Environmental

  • Water analysis​

  • Soil analysis

  • Residue analysis

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