Exceptional Sensitivity with Extremely Low Background Signal
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Coupling TLC plates with mass spectrometry (TLC-MS) is a new field of high interest in planar chromatography. One particular advantage of TLC-MS is the flexibility it offers in the choice of mobile phases for separations. In comparison, HPLC-MS coupling does not allow the use of certain mobile phases, such as inorganic buffers.
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TLC-MS Coupling Techniques
The techniques for coupling TLC with mass spectrometry can be divided into elution-based, or desorption-based. Both approaches are offline, and are performed after the separation is completed and the plate dried. Sample transfer to the mass spectrometer is fast and typically takes less than one minute.
Elution-based TLC-MS
The analyte on the silica plate is dissolved in a solvent and transferred to the mass spectrometer in the liquid phase.
Desorption-based TLC-MS
The analyte is vaporized from the silica, and transferred to the mass spectrometer in the gas phase. Vaporization techniques include gas beam, ion bombardment, and MALDI (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization).
Features and Benefits
- Enhanced sensitivity
- Extremely low background signal
- Trace analysis in nanogram range
- Flexible choice of mobile phases
