An all-in-one HPTLC instrument … and beyond
An all-in-one instrument to qualitatively and quantitatively screen your sample for its compounds or effects. It combines five key processes from high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and effect-directed analysis into one system, allowing for customization and configuration to meet your specific needs.
Application
Development
Derivatization
Incubation
Detection
The application step in HPTLC involves the precise and controlled deposition of sample solutions onto the 10 cm x 10 cm chromatographic plate. Using an automated sample applicator, samples are applied as narrow bands, areas, or spots to ensure uniform distribution and reproducibility. A proper sample application is critical for achieving sharp and well-resolved chromatographic zones, which directly influence the separation efficiency and quantification accuracy in subsequent steps. Chromnil One has a rack that can store up to 9 samples with 1-2 ml each. Choose between a rack that fits reusable glass vials or one-way plastic vials.
Without compromises
Requiring only around 0.5 m2, the size of a coffee machine. Its compact size facilitates integration into existing laboratories.
The system and its software are built to minimize faulty machine operation. The intuitive and comprehensible user interface guides you through the steps and your process.
The 12 MP camera and the highly automated process and evaluation of your sample allow for quantitative, repeatable assessment.
Highly automated processes within one instrument minimize the user's time required during the analysis.
Requiring only minimal sample preparation and solution, HPTLC is a highly attractive and sustainable separation method. In addition, chromnil only requires a fraction of the material compared to state-of-the-art instruments.
Around five times cheaper than current state-of-the-art competitors.
What you get
Hardware - Ready to use
We provide the assembled system, configured to your needs
Software - Automated updates
The software will get updated regularly to ensure optimal performance
Service
We offer fast and reliable system service if the system malfunctions or gets damaged
Support
Training and continuous support help you operate the system as efficiently as possible
Countless applications
Food and environmental analysis
Detection of toxins or hazardeous compounds
Detection of beneficial compounds
Water and environmental screening for contaminants and pollutants
Authenticity test and proof of falsification
Cosmetics
Investigation of ingredients (e.g. UV protection, preservatives, dyes)
Identification and detection of plant extracts or vitamins
Quality control of products (e.g. fatty acids and lipids)
Pharmaceutics
Identify and qualify complex plant extracts
Screening of drugs: identification of new active ingredients through interactions with target proteins
Quality control of ingredients to detect impurities
Forensics
Fast and easy on-site examinations of biological samples (e.g. drugs, blood, urin)
Detection of counterfeit medicines
Academics
Research into existing or new products
Education in the areas above or the underlying separation and bioassay technology with fast visualization and results
Based on 10 years of academic development
Chromnil's developments are based on the 2LabsToGo-Eco system, an innovative open-source instrument that proves low-cost, high-quality analysis is possible.
As the instrument results from an academic project, you have to produce it yourself, i.e., order parts, manufacture, assemble, calibrate, repair, and update the system. This is a major burden for most laboratories or individuals who don't have the human resources, equipment, or engineering skills.
Competitive results
Comparison of repeatability (10.0 µL each) and analytical response (1.5, 2.5, 4.0, 5.0, 6.5, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0, 17.5, 20.0, and 25.0 µL) for EC via the 2LabsToGo system versus conventional status quo HPTLC instruments, applied as 4 mm × 5 mm area on the HPTLC plate silica gel 60 NH2, developed with ethanol – toluene 4:1 (V/V) up to a migration distance of 40 mm, detected at 255 nm (2LabsToGo system) or 254 nm (status quo TLC Visualizer 2) after fluorescence enhancement with n-hexane – paraffin oil 2:1 (V/V) and evaluated using open-source quanTLC software; the strong fluorescence on the start area is caused by the gallic acid used as antioxidant in the extraction buffer; the blue background can be adjusted to black in the latest updated software (not used here).
Figure from Kevin Jakob, Wolfgang Schwack, Gertrud E. Morlock, All-in-one 2LabsToGo system for analysis of ergot alkaloids in whole rye, Food Chemistry (Volume 453, 2024), under CC BY 4.0 license. link
Coming in Q3 2026
Questions?
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