Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Evaluation of Microbial Safety of Dairies using Bacterial Proteomic Profiling via MALDI Approach
Published on: October 7, 2025
Beyond Single-Stain Controls in Plant-Based Cheese Microstructure Analysis: A tri-phase approach for validating
Seun Seidu1, Susan G Campbell2, Richard B Gillis3
1Advanced Food Innovation Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
The development of plant-based cheese alternatives requires robust analytical methods for microstructural characterisation of starch-containing systems. This study established a validated confocal laser scanning microscopy protocol for simultaneous visualisation of protein, fat, and starch components through systematic evaluation of fluorescent staining methodologies. A systematic tri-phase experimental approach, progressing from single-component gels through binary to ternary systems, validated staining specificity across all fluorescent probes. Calcofluor White (CFW), established for visualising β-1,3 and β-1,4 linked polysaccharides (cellulose, chitin, β-glucans), were evaluated for binding α-linked starch polysaccharides (amylose and amylopectin) in cheese matrices. However, commercial CFW preparations containing Evans Blue demonstrated significant cross-reactivity with proteins, compromising analytical accuracy. Fluorescent Brightener 28 was identified as an effective alternative, providing selective starch labelling without protein interference. This research provides a robust methodology for simultaneous three-component visualisation in plant-based cheese systems, enabling accurate microstructural analysis essential for product development in this rapidly expanding market segment.
More Related Videos
09:45A New Method for Qualitative Multi-scale Analysis of Bacterial Biofilms on Filamentous Fungal Colonies Using Confocal and Electron Microscopy
Published on: January 25, 2017
09:49Investigation of Microbial Cooperation via Imaging Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Bacterial Colonies Grown on Agar and in Tissue During Infection
Published on: November 18, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Simple Staining Technique
Fixation and Sectioning
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
Two-Dimensional Microscopy in Microbiology