David Morton

David Morton is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy at La Trobe University's Bendigo campus. His research focuses on analytical phytochemistry, particularly using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) techniques for natural product analysis and bioactivity screening.

Dr. Morton develops innovative HPTLC-based methods for bioactive compound isolation and characterization from medicinal plants. His recent work explores fermentation effects on phytochemical profiles, hyphenated chromatographic-bioassay systems, and on-surface synthesis applications using chromatographic media.

His methodologies integrate separation science with spectroscopic identification and biological evaluation, facilitating rapid screening of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds from plant sources. Recent applications include studies on olive flowers, fig leaves, sage, and marine algae.