Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between TLC and HPTLC?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between TLC and HPTLC?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) lies in the characteristics of the separation plate and the technology used. Here are the key differences between TLC and HPTLC:

  • Particle Size: TLC plates have larger absorbent particles, while HPTLC plates have very minute absorbent particles. The mean particle size for TLC is 10-12 µm, while for HPTLC, it is 5-6 µm.
  • Separation Efficiency: HPTLC is an advanced technique compared to TLC, providing superior separation efficiency. HPTLC plates have a higher packing density and a smoother surface, which reduces sample diffusion and results in compact bands or spots.
  • Detection Sensitivity: HPTLC has a thinner layer and smaller particle size, significantly increasing detection sensitivity.
  • Plate Material: TLC plates can be made of paper, plastic, or glass, but HPTLC plates are based on optimized silica gel 60.
  • Sample Volume: The sample volume for HPTLC is typically 0.1-0.5 µl, while for TLC, it is 1-5 µl.
  • Detection Limits: HPTLC has lower detection limits for both absorption and fluorescence, making it more sensitive than TLC.
  • Automation: Most steps of the HPTLC technique can be automated, while TLC is a more manual process.
  • Analysis Time: HPTLC provides faster results compared to TLC.

In summary, HPTLC is an advanced and more efficient version of TLC, offering improved separation efficiency, detection sensitivity, and automation capabilities.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between TLC and HPTLC?
  • Comparative Table: TLC vs HPTLC

    • Comparative Table: TLC vs HPTLC

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC):

    Feature TLC HPTLC
    Layer thickness 250 µm 200 µm (100 µm)
    Plate height 30 µm 12 µm
    Typical migration distance 10 - 15 cm 3 - 6 cm
    Typical separation time 20 - 200 min 3 - 20 min
    Mean particle size 10 - 12 µm 5 - 6 µm
    Particle size distribution 5 - 20 µm 4 - 8 µm
    Number of samples per plate < 10 < 36 (72)
    Sample volume 1 - 5 µl 0.1 - 0.5 µl
    Detection limits: absorption 1 - 5 ng 100 - 500 pg
    Detection limits: fluorescence 50 - 100 pg 5 - 10 pg

    TLC is a time-consuming technique, while HPTLC provides faster results and higher sensitivity. HPTLC plates are made of optimized silica gel with a smaller particle size, resulting in a smoother surface, reduced sample diffusion, and more compact bands or spots. The smaller particle size and thinner layer in HPTLC also increase detection sensitivity.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.