Phytochemical Investigation of South African Medicinal Plants using Advion-Interchim expression CMS and Plate Express together with CAMAG HPTLC
Dr. Zimbili Mkhize is the HOD of Chemistry at the North-West University Mafikeng Campus. Her research interest is in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, with the main focus on medicinal plants.
Dr. Mkhize and her research team focuses on phytochemical investigation of South African medicinal plants and utilizes screening for interesting biological activities.
Recently, the team ventured into modalities of active compounds in extracts. The team uses Advion-Interchim expression CMS (Compact Mass Spectrometer) and Plate Express (TLC Plate Reader) together with CAMAG HPTLC to separate and identify bioactive secondary metabolism from South African medicinal plants. The CAMAG HPTLC system provides the separation of the different compounds on the HPTLC plate.
This developed HPTLC plate is inserted into the Plate Express, whereby the spot of interest is automatically transferred to the CMS using a HPLC pump. One of the advantages of this setup, using the Plate Express, is the avoidance of “scratching” of the components from the plate into dissolution. Other advantages are avoiding contamination and overloading the Mass Spectrometer.
This TLC/MS technique is much faster because separation is already done.
This complete setup creates an ideal platform for herbal and medicinal research. For further information, please go to the link below which demonstrates the TLC/MS setup and operation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmv3Vm3fNKQ.