Method and device for extracting substances from the adsorbent layer of a chromatographic plate

A method of extracting a substance from an adsorbent layer of a chromatographic plate, the method comprising:

• pressing a sleeve against a carrier plate of the chromatographic plate at a location on the adsorbent layer to form a microvessel, wherein the sleeve is pressed perpendicular to the carrier plate such that a bottom of the microvessel is defined by the carrier plate and a wall of the microvessel is defined by an inner wall of the sleeve;
• introducing an extracting liquid into the microvessel through an upper opening of the sleeve, wherein a volume of the extracting liquid is between 20 μL and 500 μL;
• maintaining the extracting liquid in contact with the adsorbent layer for a time period in a range of 1 minute to 10 minutes;
• and
• withdrawing an extract from the microvessel, wherein the extract comprises the extracting liquid with extracted substances.

A device for extracting substances from a chromatographic plate, the device comprising:

• a body;
• a table for placing the chromatographic plate;
• at least one sleeve having a lower edge configured to contact an adsorbent layer of the chromatographic plate;
• a holder connected to the body and configured to secure the at least one sleeve;
• a pressing mechanism connected to the body and configured to press the at least one sleeve perpendicular to the chromatographic plate and to displace the at least one sleeve from the chromatographic plate;
• and
• an elastic element configured to adjust an edge of the at least one sleeve to the chromatographic plate.