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

N. H. Thomson, M. J. Miles, Stephen G. Ring, P. R. Shewry, AS Tatham

Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing Measurement and Phenomena · 1994 · 58 citations · 0 references

Concepts

Abstract

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.