Thin layer chromatography–image analysis method for the determination of monosodium glutamate in food

A simple and low cost thin layer chromatographic (TLC)-image analysis method was developed for rapid determination and quantification of monosodium glutamate (MSG) in some food samples. Chromatographic separation of MSG was achieved on silica gel TLC plates, using n-butanol:glacial acetic acid:water (5:3:1, v/v/v) as the mobile phase and ninhydrin for spot detection. Image analysis of the scanned TLC plate was performed to quantify the amount of MSG, the method was validated and found to be accurate specific reliable and convenient for the analysis of MSG in some food sample.