Extraction & Analysis of Algal Pigments by Thin Layer Chromotography & Spectrophotometric Analysis

The study focuses to extract and analyse the algal pigments present in the lithophilic algae collected from various sites in the concrete walls of Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras. The samples collected were stored in sterile plastic ware and cultured in a growth medium in the laboratory for further analysis. Significant algal growth was observed in media enriched with CaCo₃.Microscopic observations reveals filamentous algae of the family Cyanobacteria. The cultured algal biomass was treated with solvent and the pigments were extracted. The pigment extracts were analysed using two-dimension thin layer chromatography (TLC) and confirmed using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The filamentous algae have significant amount of Chlorophyll a &b and Carotenoids.