This detection method
can be successfully combined with layer liquid chromatography
techniques, such as thin-layer chromatography (TLC), highperformance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), overpressuredlayer chromatography (OPLC) and planar electrochromatography (PEC). In this review, the name TLC-bioautography is used mostly
in its wide-ranging meaning concerning any planar technique
linked to bioautography. In so-called direct bioautography, i.e.
bioautography hyphenated directly with thin-layer chromatography (TLC-DB), both separation and microbial detection are
performed on the same TLC plate. Generally, the method measures antibacterial properties of analyzed substances, i.e. changes
in bacterial growth. However, other mechanisms of action can be
considered, e.g. disturbing vital cell processes as it takes place
when bioautography is performed using luminescent bacteria, in
so-called TLC-bioluminescence method