Is anyone using chromatography techniques to track pigments in the flowers and leafs of plants? I was using these techniques 45 years ago to evaluate pigments in algae and thought it would be useful to track the pigments in some of the plant hybrids I am now working on. If anyone is using chromatography I would be interested in the solvents, papers, gels and developing chambers which are being used.
Some of the equipment which was on the market 45 years ago no longer appears to be available. There was a small developing chamber designed for paper rolls which would be ideal for what I want to do but I can’t find it. I am continuing to search.
On a positive note, there is quite a bit of information and guidance available for High School and College libratory experiments and flowers are a source of experimental materials. Any input would be appreciated. Here are some references.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromatography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromatography_paper
http://chemistry.about.com/b/2008/02/08/paper-chromatography-with-valentines-day-flowers.htm
http://scientificresearchmethods.suite101.com/article.cfm/coffee_filter_chromatography_of_plant_pigments
Mike
