Fluorescence Analysis on Solid Surfaces*

One of the recent uses of fluorescence has been in the assay of substances directly on solid surfaces such as paper chromatograms, thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) plates, potassium bromide disks, electrophoresis strips, and silicone‐rubber pads. Chromatography and electrophoresis are widely used analytical techniques and it is not surprising that fluorometric methods are used in conjunction with them. Advantages are increased sensitivity and rapidity of analysis. In this paper the use of fluorescence in the assay of substances after separation on paper and TLC chromatograms, as well as the direct assay of substances on a solid surface placed directly in a commercial fluorometer, are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the direct analysis of enzymatic reactions.