Visualisation of starch granule morphologies using confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM)

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.