Overpressured Layer Chromatography (OPLC) – A Flexible Tool of Analysis and Isolation

This review briefly summarizes the overpressured layer chromatography (OPLC) technique and its progress from the beginning until today. Some theoretical aspects, important technical and methodological solutions, as well as analytical separations and isolations are demonstrated covering the last 30 years. The infusion and transfusion OPLC operations, as well as their combination, and their off-line and online processes, and off-line and online hyphenations for detection and structure elucidation are presented. The combination of OPLC separation with biological detection by direct bioautography and BioArena as an important solution touches the potential of analysis and isolation based on biological activity.

Bioautography detection in thin-layer chromatography

Bioautography is a microbial detection method hyphenated with planar chromatography techniques. It is based mainly on antimicrobial or antifungal properties of analyzed substances. The review discusses three versions of bioautography, i.e. contact, immersion and direct bioautography. The more concern is given to the last one. Many applications are quoted, not only for testing various groups of compounds, but also for investigating biochemical processes and factors influencing bacterial growth. Additionally, related methods, which can be included into direct bioautography, are discussed. The most promising among them seems to be TLC-bioluminescence screening.