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HPTLC technology for detection of a common adulterant in Bilberry extract
2 Jul 2007Product news
Anthocyanins, an active ingredient in Bilberry extract, has been shown to be especially beneficial for nighttime visual acuity and for improving microcapillary circulation.
Due to its high content of anthocyanins, Bilberry extract of good quality is intensely purple colored. In order to cover up poor quality, Bilberry extract is deliberately adulterated with amaranth, a dark red azo dye. Suspected to be carcinogenic, amaranth has been banned for use in food and cosmetics in the United States.
CAMAG Laboratory developed a HPTLC method to identify the presence of amaranth in Bilberry extract even at low concentration in a fast and reliable way, without derivatization step.
For more information about this new method, visit the article webpage.
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Thin Layer ChromatographyThin-layer chromatography (TLC), also called planar chromatography, is an inexpensive and simple liquid chromatographic technique used to separate and identify small amounts of compound in a mixture, monitor progress of a reaction or determine purity of substance. TLC plates come in multiple sizes with common adsorbent layers being silica, aluminum oxide or cellulose and high-performance (HP-TLC) plates are also available for increased sensitivity. Other equipment needed includes TLC developing chambers, applicators, TLC sprayers and visualizing devices, such as a viewing cabinet and UV lamp. Find the best TLC products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.