Thin‐Layer Chromatography

Abstract

Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) is one of the important chromatographic techniques. Its main advantages are low cost and the possibility of analyzing a large number of samples simultaneously. TLC is a very useful, rapid, and inexpensive chromatographic method. It is especially suitable for screening tests, in which pretreatment of the analytes can be avoided, even with dirty samples. The thin‐layer format provides a better arrangement for high sample throughput, flexible detection strategies, and a greater tolerance of samples with a high‐matrix burden. Currently, more and more popular application of computer‐controlled scanning instruments, automated sample application, and the large number of available image analysis software packages allow high accuracy and precision in TLC quantification. Modern planar chromatographic techniques can achieve high separating power by use of two‐dimensional (2‐D) techniques, chromatographic plates with different properties, a variety of mobile phase combinations, a variety of forced‐flow techniques, and multiple development modes.

Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 from Rice Consumption in the United Arab Emirates. (c2022)

“…It is a reliable method with high accuracy that complements other chromatographic methods; however, it is not commonly used anymore. More advanced techniques like ELISA and HPLC have been used instead of TLC (Tuzimski & Sherma, 2019).…”