Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM)

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM) or confocal microscopy, is an optical imaging technique for increasing optical resolution and contrast of a micrograph by means of using a spatial pinhole to block out-of-focus light in image formation.

In food products this technique allows imaging of the distribution of ingredients (e.g. protein, fat, carbohydrates) in a product. Besides it gives information about the network which is formed during diverse processing steps. This in turn can be used to gain insight in the functionality of ingredients or the effects of processing steps on food products.