CAMAG TLC Basic Kit for Thin Layer Chromatography

Overview

The CAMAG TLC Basic Kit is a purpose-engineered ensemble of essential tools for manual thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) workflows. Designed in accordance with the operational philosophy of CAMAG—Switzerland’s leading developer of planar chromatography systems—the kit provides laboratory personnel with a standardized, traceable, and reproducible foundation for qualitative screening, method development, and semi-quantitative analysis. Unlike generic lab supplies, each component in this kit is dimensionally calibrated and chemically inert to minimize interference during solvent migration, visualization, and densitometric scanning. The system operates on the principle of capillary-driven separation across silica gel or other stationary-phase coated plates, enabling rapid compound identification, R_f determination, and purity assessment without requiring complex instrumentation.

Key Features

• Complete, pre-validated set of core TLC accessories—including glass-backed silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plates (20 × 20 cm), CAMAG Linomat 5-compatible sample applicators (capillary and syringe-based), twin-trough developing chambers with saturated vapor control, UV lamps (254 nm and 366 nm), and calibrated spotting micropipettes (0.5–10 µL range)
• Manufactured under strict Swiss quality control protocols; all consumables meet ISO 9001-certified production standards and are supplied with lot-specific certificates of conformance
• Optimized geometry for compatibility with CAMAG’s automated systems—including the TLC Scanner 4 and VisionCats software—ensuring seamless transition from manual development to digital image acquisition and quantitative densitometry
• Chemically resistant chamber materials (borosilicate glass and PTFE-sealed lids) prevent solvent leaching and support use of aggressive mobile phases (e.g., chloroform/methanol/acetic acid mixtures)
• Modular design allows incremental expansion: users may add optional modules such as derivatization ovens, immersion tanks, or reagent sprayers without replacing foundational components

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CAMAG TLC Basic Kit supports a broad spectrum of analytes including pharmaceutical actives, natural product extracts, lipids, amino acids, pesticides, and synthetic intermediates. It is routinely employed in QC laboratories operating under GLP and GMP frameworks, where documentation integrity and procedural consistency are mandated. The kit aligns with multiple international standards: ASTM D7925 (Standard Practice for Thin-Layer Chromatography), ICH Q5C (stability-indicating methods), and USP (Chromatography). All plates are pre-coated with UV-active silica gel (F₂₅₄) certified per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for reference material traceability. No regulatory filings or instrument qualification documents are included in the base kit; however, comprehensive IQ/OQ templates are available upon request for integration into FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant environments.

Software & Data Management

While the basic kit is fully functional without software, it is engineered for interoperability with CAMAG VisionCats—a validated, audit-trail-enabled platform supporting method storage, plate image annotation, peak integration, calibration curve generation, and PDF report export. VisionCats complies with ALCOA+ data integrity principles and includes electronic signature capability, user access levels, and full change control logging. Raw TIFF images captured via TLC Scanner 4 retain metadata (plate ID, operator, timestamp, lamp settings), enabling retrospective review and reprocessing. For labs requiring full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, optional validation packages—including risk assessments, URS, and test scripts—are available directly from CAMAG Switzerland.

Applications

• Routine identity testing of raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products per EP 2.2.27 and USP
• Purity assessment of synthetic organic compounds during process optimization
• Stability-indicating method development for forced degradation studies
• Qualitative screening of herbal extracts and traditional medicine formulations
• Forensic drug profiling and adulterant detection in food and supplement matrices
• Educational instruction in undergraduate and graduate analytical chemistry curricula

FAQ

Is this kit suitable for HPTLC applications?

Yes—the included plates conform to HPTLC specifications (particle size ≤ 5 µm, layer thickness 100–200 µm), and all tools maintain dimensional fidelity required for automated application and scanning.
Can I use non-CAMAG plates with this kit?

While physically compatible, deviation from CAMAG-certified plates may compromise reproducibility, especially when interfacing with VisionCats or performing quantitative densitometry.
Does the kit include documentation for regulatory audits?

The base kit includes manufacturer certificates of conformance for plates and lamps. Full validation documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) and 21 CFR Part 11 implementation guides are available separately through CAMAG’s Regulatory Support Services.
Are replacement consumables available individually?

Yes—CAMAG offers full replenishment options for plates, capillaries, developing chambers, and UV lamps, all with batch-specific CoA and shelf-life tracking.
What training resources accompany the kit?

Users receive access to CAMAG’s online Learning Portal, including video tutorials, SOP templates, and application notes covering method transfer, R_f optimization, and scanner calibration protocols.