High-performance thin-layer chromatography method for inositol phosphate analysis

A simple and inexpensive high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the analysis of inositol mono- to hexakisphosphates on cellulos e precoated plates is described, Plates were developed in 1-propanol-25% am monia solution-water (5:4:1) and substance quantities as low as 100-200 pmo l were detected by molybdate staining. Chromatographic mobilities of nucleo tides and phosphorylated carbohydrates were also characterized. Charcoal tr eatment was employed to separate nucleotides from inositol phosphates with similar R-F values prior to HPTLC analysis. Practical application of the HP TLC system is demonstrated by analysis of grain extracts from wild type and low-phytate mutant barley as well as phytate degradation products resultin g from barley phytase activity. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights r eserved.