Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of air dried casein micelles from bovine milk

Secretory proteins (casein micelles) were air dried prior to elemental analysis either without treatment, following glutaraldehyde fixation and dialysis, or following dialysis against distilled water. Samples were then examined by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). Untreated samples and samples dialysed against distilled water retain colloidal (bound) elements as compared to glutaraldehyde treated samples. Contamination of air dried casein micelles by ionic constituents in the non-protein aqueous phase was observed in the untreated sample and in the glutaraldehyde treated sample. Dialysis of casein micelles against distilled water reduced contamination from the aqueous phase without diminishing the apparent concentrations of colloidal elements.