Planar Chromatography: Technique and Applications Development

Planar chromatography is a separation technique comprising paper and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Whereas paper chromatography is seldom used today, thin-layer chromatography is still an indispensible analytical technique in pharmaceutical, clinical, food and similar laboratories in the world.The technique has been developing in all its segments, considering its practically unlimited possibilities depending solely on imagination, knowledge and skills of the users. It is suitable for routine work (for example in pharmaceutical, food, textile industry) and also for research purposes (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmacy, agriculture and other sciences). The modern TLC has been used in many laboratories in our country, mainly as a routine. However, our Laboratory is the only one involved also in the development of the technique and not only development of the methods. As such it represents the unique consulting center for all Slovenian users. In this project we propose development of the modern TLC technique in several segments by testing new sorbents and an instrument prototype for rotation planar chromatography, preparation and testing our newly developed device for uniform drying of TLC chromatograms, testing and development of new image analyzing systems. We will also develop new TLC analytical methods for the use in research and routine laboratories in the appropriate fields. Beside the classical way of detection we will study and use detection and identification of compounds separated on the TLC plates by means of mass spectrometry. Special intention will be devoted to the miniaturization in the field as a logical consequence of development of new sorbents and new technologies for quantitative evaluation of chromatograms. The miniaturization will result in lower consumption of energy and chemicals and will consequently contribute to the protection of the environment. We suppose to find solutions contributing to significant improvement of important analytical and other parameters of TLC technique (repeatability, selectivity, sensitivity, robustness, cost saving). Our work will contribute to the development of new technologies in the field of thin-layer chromatography and and their application in the development and validation of new methods.