Thin-layer chromatographic analysis of lipids and lipophilic pigments in snails

Abstract

This paper reviews the use of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for the analysis of neutral lipids and phospholipids in medically and economically important snails (gastropod molluscs). It updates and fills in unintentionally neglected papers from earlier reviews on this topic published in 1990 and 2006 in this journal, and extends coverage to lipophilic pigments for the first time. The review discusses all steps of the TLC procedure, including sample preparation, sample and standard application, layers and mobile phases, detection of zones, and quantification. Significant findings on the effects of temperature, larval parasitism, diet, and environmental changes on the lipid and lipophilic pigment content in the snails as determined by TLC as well as the results of other miscellaneous studies and advantages and future prospects are presented.