whYOKO TLC Starter Kit – Automated Thin Layer Chromatography System

Overview

The whYOKO TLC Starter Kit is a purpose-engineered modular system designed to standardize and streamline the full thin-layer chromatography (TLC) workflow—from plate preparation and sample application to solvent development, visualization, and digital documentation. Unlike single-function instruments, this kit integrates interoperable components that collectively address all five canonical TLC steps: plate coating, sample spotting, solvent development, detection/derivatization, and image-based analysis. It operates on classical adsorption chromatography principles, leveraging silica gel or alumina stationary phases with controlled mobile-phase migration under capillary action. Engineered for reproducibility in pharmaceutical QC, natural product isolation, synthetic reaction monitoring, and academic teaching labs, the system supports both analytical and preparative-scale separations (up to 20×20 cm plates). All hardware complies with ISO 9001-certified manufacturing practices; component materials meet USP and ICH Q5A compatibility guidelines for contact with organic solvents and pharmaceutical samples.

Key Features

• Modular automation architecture: Selectively integrate manual, semi-automated, or fully automated modules (e.g., BF-III electric coater, AD全自动点样仪 → AD Series Auto-Applicator) without system reconfiguration.
• Controlled plate fabrication: TF-III manual coater ensures uniform 0.1–2.0 mm layer thickness; BF-III electric coater delivers ±5 µm thickness repeatability across 10×20 cm and 20×20 cm glass plates.
• Precision sample application: BD-I and BD-II motorized applicators support volume ranges from 0.1–10 µL per band with positional accuracy ≤±0.3 mm; TD strip applicator enables parallel multi-lane deposition for high-throughput screening.
• Regulated development environment: Dual-chamber tanks minimize solvent vapor saturation gradients; DZ Multi-Plate Development Chamber accommodates up to four 20×20 cm plates simultaneously under inert atmosphere (N₂ purge optional).
• Multi-modal detection suite: ZF-III UV analyzer (254/365 nm, 8 W lamp, adjustable intensity); XR-I heating unit (RT–200 °C, ±2 °C stability); IA iodine chamber (sealed, temperature-controlled); YS immersion derivatization station with programmable dwell time.
• Digital documentation: YOKO-2000 TLC Imaging Scanner provides 12-bit grayscale capture, automatic R_f calculation, spot integration, and export to CSV/PDF for audit-ready reporting.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The system accommodates diverse sample matrices including small-molecule APIs, herbal extracts, peptides, lipids, and polymer additives. Glass-backed silica gel plates (pre-coated or self-prepared) are compatible with common mobile phases (e.g., ethyl acetate/hexane, methanol/chloroform, acetonitrile/water). All wetted components resist corrosion from chlorinated solvents, strong acids (HCl, TFA), and bases (NH₃, TEA). The kit meets GLP documentation requirements: each module includes calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards; software modules (where applicable) support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails. Complies with ASTM D1193 (reagent water), ISO 17025 (testing lab competence), and Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP) Appendix VII A for TLC methodology validation.

Software & Data Management

YOKO TLC Suite v3.2 (Windows 10/11) provides unified control for AD applicators, DZ development chambers, and YOKO-2000 scanner. Features include method templates (stored as .tlc files), batch processing of up to 96 samples, automatic R_f reference alignment using internal markers, and spectral overlay comparison. Raw image data are stored in DICOM-compatible format with embedded EXIF metadata (timestamp, operator ID, instrument serial number). Export options include PDF reports with embedded chromatograms, Excel-compatible quantitation tables, and XML for LIMS integration. Audit logs record all parameter changes, image acquisitions, and user logins—retained for ≥36 months per GMP retention policies.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical QC: Identity testing of raw materials per USP , assay purity assessment, degradation product profiling.
• Natural product research: Fraction tracking during column chromatography, alkaloid/flavonoid screening in plant extracts.
• Synthetic chemistry: Real-time reaction monitoring (e.g., Suzuki coupling, ester hydrolysis), byproduct identification.
• Food safety: Pesticide residue screening (EU MRL compliance), mycotoxin detection (aflatoxin B₁, ochratoxin A).
• Academic instruction: Hands-on pedagogy for chromatography fundamentals, method development exercises, and quantitative densitometry training.

FAQ

Is the system compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records?
Yes—YOKO TLC Suite v3.2 implements role-based access control, electronic signatures with biometric or token-based authentication, and tamper-evident audit logs meeting Part 11 Subpart B requirements.
Can I use commercially available pre-coated plates with this kit?
Absolutely. The BD-series applicators and ZF/ZX analyzers are optimized for standard 20×20 cm and 10×20 cm plates from Merck, Sorbent Technologies, and Camag—no adapter required.
What maintenance is required for the BF-III coater?
Monthly cleaning of the doctor blade and reservoir with isopropanol; annual recalibration of the micrometer depth gauge using certified gauge blocks.
Does the YOKO-2000 scanner support fluorescence detection?
No—it captures reflected UV absorbance and visible light only. For fluorescence, pair with optional ZS TLC Imaging System equipped with 365 nm excitation and bandpass-filtered CCD detection.
Is technical support available in English for international users?
Yes—whYOKO provides remote diagnostics, SOP development assistance, and on-site training (travel fees apply) through authorized regional partners in EU, North America, and Southeast Asia.