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Visualisation of starch granule morphologies using confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM)
Author(s) -
van de Velde Fred,
van Riel Jan,
Tromp R Hans
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.1165
Subject(s) - granule (geology) , starch , confocal laser scanning microscopy , confocal , laser microscopy , scanning electron microscope , materials science , microscopy , chemistry , confocal laser scanning microscope , composite material , biophysics , food science , biology , biomedical engineering , optics , physics , medicine
Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) is a powerful tool for the visualisation of starch granules from their botanical source, during processing into their final application. CSLM allows the visualisation of the starch gelatinisation process and of granule remnants in starch pastes in their original environment and without modification. In this study, CSLM has been used to study the granule morphology of starch from different botanical sources. CSLM is a suitable technique to obtain, under mild conditions, 2D and 3D images of the granules. The samples for observation by CSLM do not require complicated preparations such as drying and metal coating as in the case of electron microscopy. Moreover, the CSLM technique is not limited to the observation of native starch granules, as the gelatinisation process and the remnants of granules in starch pastes can be monitored in their original environment. In this way, starch granules can be visualised from their botanical sources to the final application with a single microscopic technique. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry