The Science Club of Mohan Babu University conducted a Hands-on Program on “Paper Chromatography” on 21st January 2025 from 3 to 5 P.M at the Chemistry Lab. This interactive session was designed to provide students with practical exposure to separation science and its real-world applications.
The experiment was carried out by IV Semester B.Sc. Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Bioinformatics students under the expert guidance of Dr. G. Muni Hemalatha. A total of 45 enthusiastic students actively participated in this educational endeavor, making it a memorable learning experience.
The session commenced with students preparing chromatography strips using specialized chromatography paper. They employed solvents and various amino acid samples to observe the principles of capillary action and molecular interactions in action. The process involved the careful application of amino acid samples onto the chromatography paper, followed by immersion in a saturated solvent system. As the solvent front advanced, it carried the amino acids at varying rates based on their solubility and polarity.
Once the chromatography strips were removed and dried, the students applied ninhydrin spray to visualize the separated amino acids. The results were both fascinating and educational: All amino acids except proline developed a characteristic blue coloration, exhibiting their specific Rf values. Proline uniquely appeared yellow, drawing particular attention to its distinct behavior. The experiment demonstrated the efficiency of paper chromatography in amino acid analysis, proving it superior to several other analytical techniques.
This hands-on session provided students with valuable insights into the principles of mixtures, solubility, and molecular interactions. They were able to witness firsthand how different amino acids migrate at different speeds, forming distinct patterns on the chromatography paper. Furthermore, the session encouraged analytical thinking as students recorded their observations, interpreted their results, and discussed real-world applications of chromatography in fields such as: Forensic Science (drug testing, crime investigations), Medicine (blood sample analysis, disease diagnosis and Environmental Science (pollutant detection, food safety)
The Hands-on Program on Paper Chromatography proved to be an educational and inspiring event, successfully deepening students’ understanding of separation science. The Science Club at Mohan Babu University continues to foster scientific curiosity and experiential learning, ensuring that students are well-equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in their respective fields. The Faculty Coordinator thanked the participants for their sincerity and dedication.
