Application of confocal Raman microscopy to investigate casein micro-particles in blend casein/pectin films

Pectin triggers formation of casein micro-particles during solution casting. Confocal Raman microscopy revealed their composition and spatial dimension in resulting films. Peaks in the Raman spectra corresponded to those found in films prepared by either casein or pectin. This suggested that no conformational changes occurred after mixing. Raman images revealed incompatibility of both polymers because particles consisted of casein only and the surrounding matrix of pectin. Deformation of micro-particles into an oblate shape took place during film formation. In dried films, an empty space between casein and pectin was found in lateral dimension. In contrast, casein micro-particles overlapped with the pectin matrix in the vertical dimension.