Conditions and techniques for thin layer chromatography of aflatoxins

Satisfactory resolution of the four common aflatoxins, B₁, B₂, G₁ and G₂, on thin layer chromatograms has been a recurring problem. The most frequently observed cause of poor resolution and tailing of spots in the chromatograms was the variable properties of the commercial silica gel-calcium sulfate adsorbent preparations. Variations in quality were observed even from one container to the next within single lots produced by individual manufacturers. Other variables which affected the chromatography to some degree included adsorbent particle size, concentration and nature of the calcium sulfate binder, silica gel layer thickness and moisture content, vapor phase composition in the developing chamber and the solvent used for development.