Simplified Quantification of Representative Bioactives in Food Through TLC Image Analysis

In this work, simplified quantification of representative bioactives through thin-layer chromatography (TLC) image was established employing state-of-the-art quantitative image analysis technology. A general protocol including developing system, visualization condition, and image analysis procedure was developed for representative bioactives such as polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phytosterols, and carotenoids. Applicability of this method including linearity, repeatability, and accuracy was validated by comparison with the conventional UV-Vis spectrophotometry methods. Application in actual food samples including carrot and green tea demonstrated this method was accurate and selective. The high-throughput potential of this method was also demonstrated. This method is free from special instrument, is efficient, and would be a fantastic substitute for the conventional UV-Vis spectrophotometry methods. This work has unveiled the power of quantitative image analysis in bioactive analysis and would encourage further application in food industry.