Chromatographic Methods for Separation and Identification of Bioactive Compounds

Chromatographic methods are widely used in the separation and identification of bioactive compounds in complex samples. Chromatography is a technique that is based on the separation of the components in a mixture into a stationary and mobile phase. There are several types of chromatography, including liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and ion-exchange chromatography. Each type of chromatography has its advantages and disadvantages and is more suitable for different types of samples and compounds. For example, HPLC is often used to separate high-polarity compounds, while GC is best suited for volatile compounds. Chromatography can be combined with other analytical methods, such as mass spectrometry, to help identify specific compounds in a sample. Together, these chromatographic and spectrometric methods have been widely used in the identification and characterization of bioactive compounds in plants, microorganisms, and other natural matrices.