Integration of impedance sensors in thin layer chromatographic plates

Abstract

A thin layer chromatographic plate was developed with integrated impedance sensors. The plate consists of a silicon substrate, integrated impedance sensors in the silicon substrate and a cellulose layer on top of the impedance sensors. Through impedance measurement with the integrated sensors, it is possible to detect the substances on the cellulose layer directly during development of the plate, irrespective of whether the substances are colored or not. As the impedance signal is already in electronic form, it is possible to carry out further data processing for quantitative analysis. Preliminary applications of this plate in the determination of inorganic ions and amino acids by thin layer chromatography are described.