'In HP-TLC, Each And Every Parameter That Influences The Result Is Controlled'

Akshay Charegaonkar, Director, Anchrom Enterprises, talks about the benefits if HP-TLC in an interaction with Express Pharma

What is the background of Anchrom?

My father Dilip Charegaonkar is India’s first full fledged R&D Analyst who worked in Themis Pharmaceuticals from 1976. In 1978, he quit to promote TLC when HPLC started coming in. To this day TLC, instrumental TLC (I-TLC) and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) are irreplaceable, partly because of Anchrom’s dedicated effort. Since the last nine years, me and later my wife have actively joined him, at Anchrom. This year, is the 40th year of our association with Camag, Switzerland who pioneered HP-TLC.

What is unique about HP-TLC?

The sample is literally ‘visible’ throughout. Chromatography is done in independent steps. No high temperature or pressure is involved and is fastest of all chromatography methods. Samples do not come into contact with the chromatograph. Chromatogram retained on plate. Hence, multiple modes of detection can be applied. Samples can be cleaned up on the (disposable) plate.

I-TLC. Is it a new concept?

Instrumental TLC (I-TLC) is halfway between manual TLC and regulatory level HPTLC. I-TLC has all the advantages of instrumentation but the chromatography methodology is not standardised.

Will HP-TLC replace ITLC?

HP-TLC is I-TLC + methodology, so it’s not a replacement but an improvement. In HP-TLC, each and every parameter that influences the result is controlled. However, labs in developing countries will use TLC, I-TLC as well as HPTLC for economic reasons.

Do you have an application lab?