Real-time imaging of enzymatic degradation of starch granules by atomic force microscopy

Atomic force microscopy has been used to image wheat seed starch granules (cultivar Timmo) both in air and under water. In the aqueous environment, the enzyme α-amylase was introduced into the solution cell of the microscope and its progressive attack on a starch granule was followed by collecting successive images of the granule. Each image was recorded over a time period of 105 s. The enzyme created a ‘‘pin-hole’’ in the top of the granule, consistent with previous off-line electron microscopy studies.