Confocal Raman microscopic characterization of the molecular species responsible for the grain cohesion of Triticum aestivum wheat: effect of chemical treatment
Raman microspectroscopy is a very well appropriate technique for the characterization of the molecules responsible of the wheat grain cohesion, since it is non-destructive and can be readily applied in-situ. The cohesion of the kernel or starchy endosperm depends on a protein content located at the interstices of starch granules. The separation between the kernel and the envelope depends on the composition of the aleurone cells layer, in phenolic acids and pentosans. Confocal Raman microscopy has been performed on kernel sections of various Triticum aestivum samples. Raman spectra recorded at different parts of such sections are very specific, such as spectra of the starchy endosperm protein. The technique has been also used to study the effect of chemical treatment on the binding of the constituents of the aleurone cells walls. In addition, certain marker bands of starch and proteins have been used to construct spectral images.