Direct bioautography on thin-layer chromatograms as a method for detecting fungitoxic substances

The principle and methodological solutions of the combination of layer chromatography with cell-based bioactivity assays for the detection of antimicrobial, antipathogenic, hormonal (estrogenic, androgenic, both agonistic and antagonistic), as well as genotoxic effects are described. The classification of bioautography assays as well as their history is summarized with special emphases on the advance of planar layer chromatography-bioassays. The practice and applicability of direct bioautography, including separation requirements, range of introduced microorganisms, detection methods, quantification, as well as bio-monitoring to control the detection, characterization, and isolation processes, are also included.