Methods for performing a thin layer chromatography

A method of performing a thin layer chromatography, the method comprising the following steps:

• a. providing a chromatography apparatus comprising a three-dimensional machine configured to move a rigid nozzle under control by a computer along a stationary adsorbent layer retained therein, wherein the rigid nozzle is connected to multiple tubing, each tubing is configured to conduct a flow of an individual liquid eluent component therethrough and release thereof from an opening at an open end of the tubing located at the rigid nozzle,
• wherein individual eluent components are different from each other in at least one of a qualitative composition or a quantitative composition thereof,
• b. individually operating a plurality of pumps for pumping individual eluent components through the respective tubing towards the rigid nozzle, the operating of the plurality of pumps is conducted at variable flow rates controlled by the computer to cause flowing thereof from the respective tubing openings, wherein the tubing openings are positioned at close proximity to each other in the rigid nozzle and to an outer surface of the adsorbent layer so as to cause mixing and aggregating of individual eluent components in a space between the plurality of tubing openings and the adsorbent layer, thereby forming the eluent stream of multiple individual eluent components on the outer surface of the adsorbent layer, the eluent stream is characterized by a moving eluent front surrounding the volume of eluent emanated from the rigid nozzle on the outer surface of the adsorption layer, the eluent front is migrating on the adsorbent layer in response to the individual operating of the plurality of pumps,
• c. operating the three-dimensional machine for moving the rigid nozzle adjacent and along the outer surface of the adsorbent layer while continuing to pump individual eluent components for depositing the aggregated eluent stream along a set path on the adsorbent layer,
• d. operating a camera connected to the computer to observe a migration of the eluent front on the adsorbent layer, and
• e. individually adjusting flow rates of individual pumps in steps (b) and (c) by the computer using a dynamic position of the eluent front as observed in step (d) by the camera connected thereto,
• thereby delivering the eluent stream to a desired location on the adsorbent layer to cause sorption thereof to develop the thin layer chromatogram thereon suitable for subsequent quantitative analysis.