Thin Layer Chromatographic Analysis of Beta-Lactam Antibiotics

Purpose: 
The paper describes some thin layer chromatographic procedures that allow simple and rapid separation and identification of penicillins and cephalosporins from complex mixtures. 

Methods:
Using silicagel GF254 as stationary phase and selecting different mobile phases we succeeded in the separation of the studied beta-lactamins. Our aim was not only to develop a simple, rapid and efficient method for their separation but also the optimization of the analytical conditions. Results: No system will separate all the beta-lactams, but they could be identified when supplementary information is used from color reactions and/or by using additional chromatographic systems.

Conclusions:
The right combination of solvent system and detection method allows the identification of the studied penicillins and cephalosporins and can be successfully used in the preliminary analysis beta-lactam antibiotics. 

The article is published online in Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin and is free to access.