Thin-layer chromatography with biological detection in phytochemistry.

Bioautography on thin-layer chromatographic (TLC) plates is a means of detecting the biological activity of a sample which has migrated on the plate with a suitable solvent. It only requires small amounts of sample and is ideal for the investigation of plant constituents, which often occur as complex mixtures. It can be used for the target-directed isolation of these constituents. In contrast to HPLC, many samples can be run at the same time on TLC. Organic solvents, which cause inactivation of enzymes or death of living organisms, can be completely removed before biological detection. Many bioassays are compatible with TLC. Antimicrobial, radical scavenging, antioxidant activities and enzyme inhibition feature among the tests that are employed.