Application High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography with Controlled Eluent Velocity to Determine Fingerprints of Various Poplar Species Buds Extracts: Optimization of Operating Variables

The study used the prototype device enabling the development of isocratic and gradient thin-layer chromatograms with controlled eluent velocity to obtain fingerprints of extracts from buds of various poplar species. This equipment can deliver an eluent to virtually any place on the adsorbent layer of the chromatographic plate. Moreover, the composition of a mobile phase can be easily modified even when the chromatogram is developing. This paper shows the effect of various operating variables of the prototype in a normal phase system, e.g., eluent velocity and composition, on the chromatographic behavior of the mixture. The prototype’s results were compared to conventional TLC development in horizontal DS chambers. The UV light (366 nm) was used to detect the solute zones and document both systems. The results prove that the prototype device has great potential in plant material standardization. The mobile phase gradient improves the separation of the bands of strongly retained solutes. Additionally, this fact does not enhance the blurring of low-retained bands.