Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 July 2020
Models for the structure of the bovine casein micelle have been proposed in the past (1,2,3,4). These models are based on the chemical and physical properties of the micelles and fall into two general catagories, framework and submicelle models. Electron Microscopy techniques were one of the tools used in the development of these models. However, no definative model has been established. We have developed a new electron microscopy method and it is being applied to the re-examination of the protein structure of the casein micelle, with the goal of establishing a definative model for the structure of the casein micelle.
High resolution scannning electron microscopy has proven unsuccessful in revealing the protein structure in the casein micelle (Fig 1). To create high resolution scanning electron microscopic images, fine metal coatings are required in the 5 to l0nm range. Following the application of these coatings, images of casein micelles resemble a melting lumpy sphere. This is due to the metal layer obscuring the proteins from view.