Quantitative analysis of serum lipoproteins by micro-scale thin-layer chromatography.

A method has been devised for the complete chemical analysis of serum lipoproteins, in which the constituents are separated by thin-layer chromatography and then measured by means of a flame ionisation detector. Since the response of the detector differs for each constituent, it is necessary to use a previously prepared calibration curve for each one. A complete analysis can be obtained from a single run on about 20 microgram of lipoprotein. However, from 5--10 chromatograms are needed for an adequate degree of precision. The method, which could be adapted to the measurement of tissue lipids, takes less than 2 h to complete. This speed and simplicity seem to give the method considerable potential for the investigation of patients with disorders of lipid transport.