Promoting the use of HPTLC in plant analysis and other analytical fields is the main purpose of the International Association for the Advancement of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC Association), and for this, bringing together representatives from academia, industry, research, regulatory and standard setting bodies. This HPTLC Online User Meeting was the first in a series of quarterly events that shall facilitate a worldwide exchange of knowledge between HPTLC users to share in the spirit of working in an exciting analytical field.
Presentation 1: Using just classical Silica gel 60? There is more!
Michaela Oberle, TLC Specialist and Project Leader R&D, Merck KGaA
The stationary phase most commonly used in basic and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography is the classic Silica gel 60 layer. It is also referred to as the normal phase. However, for many applications the choice of a modified silica gel layer could lead to a much better chromatographic result. Plus, the corresponding mobile phase may permit the use of less hazardous solvents. In this presentation, Michaela Oberle discusses the diverse properties of available stationary phases, and presents unique application examples to illustrate the possible improvements of separation conditions.
Presentation 2: How to assess the safety of food products in absence of toxicological data
Maricel Marin-Kuan, PhD, Senior in vitro toxicology specialist, Nestlé Research
Assessing the safety of food is challenging as foods are complex mixtures containing thousands of known and unknown substances occurring at various concentrations. What is the best method to detect chemicals of most concern on which further toxicological investigations should be focused? Recent progress using Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) coupled to bioassays has been proposed as a breakthrough solution to fill some of the gaps identified with standard bioassays. In this session, HPTLC effect-direct analysis (EDA) for toxicologically relevant endpoints will be presented, anchoring bioassays and chemical analysis in complex mixtures of unknown composition with the goal to optimize and speed up decision-making in Food Safety.