A simple, inexpensive thin-layer chromatography method for the analysis of theophylline tablets

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Pharmaceutical quality control is crucial for ensuring drug efficacy and patient safety.
• Field-based analytical methods are needed for resource-limited settings.
• Existing methods for tablet analysis often require sophisticated instrumentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, low-cost thin-layer chromatography (TLC) procedure for assessing pharmaceutical tablet quality.
• To demonstrate the applicability of the TLC method for drug content assay and dissolution/disintegration characteristics.
• To provide a field-deployable analytical technique requiring minimal equipment.

Main Methods:

• Development of a basic thin-layer chromatography (TLC) protocol.
• Construction of simple, portable equipment for field use.
• Demonstration of the method using theophylline tablets.
• Adaptation of the procedure for general tablet analysis and performance testing.

Main Results:

• A validated TLC method for estimating pharmaceutical tablet quality was established.
• The procedure successfully assayed theophylline content and evaluated tablet disintegration.
• The method proved effective for field application without instrumentation.
• The technique is adaptable for various pharmaceutical tablets.

Conclusions:

• A simple, cost-effective TLC method provides a reliable means for pharmaceutical tablet quality assessment in the field.
• This approach enhances drug quality monitoring capabilities, particularly in resource-limited environments.
• The developed technique offers a practical alternative to complex analytical instrumentation for routine pharmaceutical analysis.