Last month the HPTLC Association conducted a short course at EAS 2020. Due to the pandemic, this was a virtual event with 13 participants.

The main topics were covered by four lectures as follows:

• the fundaments of planar chromatography
• standardized HPTLC parameters according to the pharmacopeias
• special features of HPTLC
• comprehensive HPTLC fingerprinting
• quantitative HPTLC analysis
• development and validation of HPTLC methods.

The practical part of the course was also performed virtually. Participants were able to follow the entire process, from sample application to data processing with software, through video clips and live broadcasts from a real HPTLC lab. During the first session, the instructor demonstrated the proper handling of HPTLC instruments and software. The second session addressed the practical aspects of quality control of botanicals with case studies on ginkgo and horsetail. In the third session, the quantitative evaluation of HPTLC data was practiced by determining the nicotine content in e-cigarettes. In the last virtual laboratory session, the development of an HPTLC method for the detection of sweeteners in Cola drinks was discussed.

What did the participants think of this course?

According to the event’s survey, 67%  and 33% of the participants rated the course either as very good or excellent, respectively. It was asked about their knowledge on the subject before and after the course, 44% of participants said that they improved from good to very good or excellent. Another 44% ranked their improvement from fair to good or, in most cases, very good. 11%, considered their improvement from very good to excellent. When asked whether they would recommend the course to others, 67% of the participants answered that they definitely would, 22% said that they very probably would, and 11% said they probably would.

Have you missed that course?

Well, then we have good news for you. Members of the HPTLC Association can download the course material (four lectures plus the virtual lab instructions in pdf format) for free. It is available via this link. To become a member of the HPTLC Association, access this link and fill out the form.

Feel free to contact your local chapter for HPTLC courses in your language!

Have you registered for this year’s EAS virtual symposium and are you interested in learning more about HPTLC applications?

Then, check out the following posters, which can be accessed virtually from November 16 to December 31, 2020.

1. Kateryna Khokhlova et al: Development of Harmonized HPTLC Methods for Determination of Polyphenolic Compounds of Tinctures of Ukrainian Market.
2. Christian Elcorrobarrutia Ruiz et al: Development of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) Methods for Characterizing Neem - Derived Botanicals.
3. Eike Reich et al: New HPTLC Method for Quality Control of Elderberries and Elderflowers (Sambucus nigra L.).
4. Wilmer Perera et al: USDA Compliant Testing of the Total THC Content in Hemp (<0.3% THC).