How can I adapt the protocol in Osmosis (with plant pigments) for investigating the pigments in marine algae?
Acetone extracts of plants, including a complete range of macroalgae, can be run on TLC plates coated with silica gel G (containing some CaSO4 to improve handling), and this always gives good separation of the pigments in adequately prepared extracts. More detail about the TLC plates: 22 x 22 cm, coated with 7 g Kieselgel G (Type 60) + about 15 ml water. Solvents: 58% petroleum ether (60-80); 30% ethyl acetate; 12% diethylamine (most successful) 60% n-hexane; 30% diethly ether; 20% acetone (also used) Alternatively, you will find help in the book, published by Cambridge University Press in 1988 entitled “Experimental Phycology: A Laboratory Manual” edited by C.S. Lobban, D.J. Chapman and B.P. Kremer. ISBN 0 521 34834 This includes 3 or 4 chapters describing the extraction, separation and measurement of algal pigments, complete with practical details, notes for instructors, questions for students etc.
