Thin layer chromatographic separation of lipids

Abstract

A chromatographic separation in general is a technique in which a mobile phase while passing over a stationary phase transports different substances with different velocities in the direction of flow. In the case of thin layer chromatography the stationary phase (an adsorbent such as silica gel, silicic acid or cellulose) is placed on a glass support. A processed sample is spotted onto the stationary phase and then placed into a chromatographic chamber containing a relevant solvent system (mobile phase). As the solvent rises through the adsorbent by absorption and capillary action, it tends to resolve the components of the sample. Electrostatic forces of the stationary phase act to retard the component in the sample as the mobile phase rises. This and the fact that the components have different solubilities in the mobile phase cause the individual components to move at different rates below the solvent front (Stahl, 1958).