Planar Chromatography (TLC/HPTLC) as a Versatile Platform for Rapid Mixture Separation, Bioactive Compound Identification, and Emerging Analytical and Regulatory Applications

The analytical method of planar chromatography, which encompasses both traditional thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and modern high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), is widely used for the separation and identification of components in complex mixtures. Examining the use of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) as effective separation methods for qualitative and preliminary quantitative analysis, this research zeroes in on the identification of bioactive chemicals in a wide variety of sample matrices. Researchers in chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and natural products greatly benefit from their ability to perform rapid screenings with minimal sample preparation. A solid stationary phase enables spatial separation of analytes, which permits direct viewing, documentation, and targeted recovery of molecules for further structural or functional research. Modern developments in planar chromatography are also included in this study. These include better detection systems, improved stationary phases, and hyphenated procedures that increase analytical sensitivity and selectivity. The compatibility of TLC/HPTLC with current analytical procedures, including bioanalytical applications and high-throughput screening, is being enhanced by technological developments. Because of these upgrades, planar chromatography is finding new applications outside of the lab. From a policy standpoint, the need for uniform analytical techniques across pharmaceutical quality control, environmental monitoring, and food safety regulation is strengthened by ongoing advancements in TLC/HPTLC. Regulatory agencies may gain an advantage by including these quick, inexpensive methods in their regular screening programs. Public health protection, data dependability, and sustainable analytical methods in academia and industry may all be improved with stronger planar chromatography guidelines.