Visualization of food structure by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM)

Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy is a rather new technique for structural analysis of biological and food material. In contrast to conventional ligh t microscopy the light source is replaced by laser a scanning unit and a pi nhole in the back focal plane, which improves the limited depth of focus. T he potential and limitations of CLSM are discussed based on experimental wo rk. Yam parenchyma and wheat products (wheat dough, bread and pasta) were i maged by CLSM using Acid Fuchsin and Safranin O as fluorescent dyes. CLSM p roved to be a useful tool for obtaining three-dimensional information on th e cellular structure of yam parenchyma and on the properties of protein and starch networks in wheat products. Furthermore, CLSM allows the study of b read after baking in situ and the analysis of surface properties of pasta i n the reflection mode. (C) 2001 Academic Press.