Safety First With HPTLC

Omicron Research Ltd bring customers the recently published Camag Bibliography Service (CBS) 105, focussing on food and water analysis using high performance thin layer chromatography. With food safety laws becoming more and more stringent, food analysis is increasingly important to many UK and international companies.

One of the world’s most important food crops, the potato, is the subject of one study, using HPTLC for determination of alkaloids. At certain intensities alkaloids can render the humble potato harmful to human health. Using Camag’s Automatic Sampler ATS4, sensitive and selective analysis provided detailed and effective detection and quantification of alkaloid levels.

In contrast, the composition of PVC food wrap is also the subject of interrogation. Two methods of analysis were used in this study – mass spectrometry and biological activity. For rapid screening of additives, direct extraction of PVC plastic wrap using Camag’s TLC-MS Interface gave immediate top level results. For more comprehensive analysis, however, a TLC Chromatogram Immersion Device was used to dip plates in Vibrio Fischeri bacteria and documented with Camag’s Bioluminizer.

Pollutants in water were also under the spotlight. Using automated multiple development and online analysis, drinking and raw water sources were monitored and analysed for contaminants and unknown substances.