www.corfilac.it

Area 3 - Department 2


Scanning Electron and Confocal Microscopy Lab


CoRFiLaC microscopy laboratory uses a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM), both dedicate to the microstructural study of milk, historical Sicilian cheeses and traditional tools used in the cheese making process.

SEM provides high resolution (3 nm) and large depth-of-focus images at a large variability in magnification (20 – 300.000 X).

CLSM allows to acquire sets of 2D optical sections and then to achieve 3D imaging.

Two complementary instruments, necessary to investigate the relationship between nano-features and macroscopic behaviour of dairy products and to improve their quality.

Rheological properties (compactness, softness, gumminess, elasticity) of cheeses are affected by their microstructure, made of the spatial arrangement of globular casein micelles (protein matrix), where fat globules, water, mineral salts and bacteria are dispersed.

Microstructure is then analyzed through SEM and CLSM and its changes due to the cheese making process are observed.

The microscopes are also used to identify and characterize the native microflora in cheeses and on the traditional wooden tools of local farms, getting scientific data related to morphology, size and arrangement of lactic acid bacteria. Microbial activity makes wooden tools a valuable source of biodiversity.

Scientific Results