We elucidate the peculiarities of express analysis of secondary carotenoids from microalgae and their preliminary identification using TLC and UV-Vis spectroscopy with emphasis on biotechnologically significant producers of the value-added pigment astaxanthin. Advantages and limitations of the method are described to underline the value of TLC as a potential companion method to mainstream separation techniques such as HPLC. Special attention is paid to common errors and pitfalls of the method and possible work-arounds, as well as to overall strategy of the analysis, sample preparation, and material selection.
Keywords: Absorption spectrophotometry; Astaxanthin; Keto-carotenoids; Microalgae; Secondary carotenoids; Solvent selection; TLC; Thin-layer chromatography.