Thin layer chromatographic analysis of biological samples. A review

This article reviews the use of thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance thin layer chromatography for the analysis of biological samples of particular interest to biologists, biochemists, hematologists, immunologists, medical diagnosticians, and molecular biologists. Determinations of amino acids, drugs, carbohydrates, lipids, toxins, vitamins, indoles, antibiotics, peptides, pigments, phenols, bile acids, and coumarins in sample matrices such as blood, urine, feces, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, body tissues, and other biologics are considered. The review discusses the advantages of using modem TLC for biological applications and summarizes important information on stationary and mobile phases and methods used for application of standards and samples, plate development, and zone detection, identification, and quantification.