Bioautography is a microbial detection method hyphenated with planar chromatography techniques. It
is based mainly on antimicrobial or antifungal properties of analyzed substances. The review discusses
three versions of bioautography, i.e. contact, immersion and direct bioautography. The more concern is
given to the last one. Many applications are quoted, not only for testing various groups of compounds,
but also for investigating biochemical processes and factors influencing bacterial growth. Additionally,
related methods, which can be included into direct bioautography, are discussed. The most promising
among them seems to be TLC-bioluminescence screening.