Determination of the phospholipid/lipophilic compounds ratio in liposomes by thin-layer chromatography scanning densitometry.

The determination of the ratio of phospholipid/lipophilic compounds in liposomes was achieved after thin-layer chromatography (TLC) by measuring the spot intensities of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and the lipophilic compound. The liposome components under study were separated on one TLC plate, developed in two steps, and detected after charring the plate with specific visualization reagents. The method shows good reproducibility and provides a simple way to quantify the level of lipophilic compound incorporated in the liposome bilayer.