Utilization of a scientifically operated charge-coupled device detector for high-performance thin-layer chromatographic analysis of tetracyclines.

A high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method using a scientifically operated charge-coupled device detector is described for the assay of tetracycline pharmaceutical products. Quantitative information can be obtained for all samples on a TLC plate within a few seconds. The separation efficiency and detection limits were determined on both normal phase and reverse phase TLC plates. Fluorescence detection mode offers higher sensitivity than fluorescence quenching mode. The dynamic range, sensitivity, accuracy and precision of the system were evaluated. Detection limits of the impurities are in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 ng or 0.3 to 1% of tetracycline, depending on the compound, with a recovery percentage over 85%. The existing impurities in tetracycline capsules were determined using both HPLC and HPTLC techniques. All of the impurities were below the regulation level.