micro-CT Team
Exploring Drying Techniques, Meat Alternatives, and Separation Methods Through High-Resolution Imaging for a Deeper Understanding of Food Processes
In a recent conversation, we spoke with Sebastian Gruber, a researcher at the Technical University of Munich, about his work in food process engineering and how the TESCAN UniTOM HR system is helping achieve their goals.
Sebastian explained why they chose UniTOM HR:
"We needed a highly flexible system that could meet our diverse requirements. Our primary need was a system that allows us to thoroughly investigate and understand various processes. Time resolution was crucial for us, while high resolution was particularly important for our partner institute. After evaluating the market, it became evident that TESCAN offers a powerful and versatile device. UniTOM HR stood out as the ideal solution for our needs. Its capabilities have exceeded our expectations, providing us with the flexibility and precision we require. We are extremely satisfied with UniTOM HR and its performance. It has proven to be an invaluable asset to our work, and we couldn't be happier with our choice."
Prof. Mutez Ahmed's Root-Soil Interaction (RSI) group, together with the TUM Food Processing Engineering group, acquired the UniTOM HR system. Soil and food scientists now share this resource, using it to enable non-destructive, high-resolution 3D imaging of organic materials. This drives innovations across the entire food chain—from root development in soil to the final stages of food processing.
The Foundation of Food Process Engineering
Sebastian shared the establishment of the new professorship in food process engineering. "Our main focus is on pioneering research in food process engineering," he said. The team has identified four primary areas of focus: drying techniques, meat alternatives, separation techniques, and in-situ process investigations.
Advancements in Drying Techniques
One key area of research is drying techniques. "We explore various methods to preserve foods, including classical convective drying methods and more advanced techniques like freeze drying and microwave-assisted freeze drying," Sebastian explained. The TESCAN UniTOM HR system plays a vital role in visualizing these processes in real-time, providing high-resolution insights essential for their research.
Figure: Flip point image generated using Panthera software of a conventional microstructure sample. The color gradient indicates a change in the local linear attenuation coefficient over time—blue representing earlier stages, and red representing later. The YZ-slice shows the evolution of the sublimation front in a single image.
Innovations in Meat Alternatives
Another significant area of research is the development of plant-based meat alternatives. "We are working on structuring and extrusion processes to create new plant protein-based meat alternatives," Sebastian noted. The UniTOM HR system's flexibility allows the team to characterize these new products with precision.
Separation Techniques
Sebastian also discussed their work on separation techniques, particularly dry separation methods. "We use an electric field to charge particles before they pass through it. Depending on their charge, they move to either the cathode or anode, allowing us to concentrate proteins," he explained. The UniTOM HR system's high-resolution imaging capabilities are instrumental in optimizing these techniques.
In-Situ Process Investigations
The final area of focus is in-situ process investigations. "We use techniques like micro-CT to investigate processes such as freeze drying in real-time," Sebastian said. The team recently acquired the UniTOM HR system to advance their research, and it has already proven to be a game-changer in visualizing and analyzing in-situ processes.
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Root-Soil Interaction Group (RSI) and the Role of X-ray CT in Climate Resilience
In parallel, the RSI group led by Prof. Mutez Ahmed is using the UniTOM HR system to explore the architecture and morphology of plant roots in their natural soil environment. Their work focuses on the root-soil interface—a key determinant of drought tolerance in plants. As soil dries, water depletion around roots and a resulting drop in hydraulic conductivity at this critical interface make water uptake more difficult.
RSI investigates plant strategies to overcome these challenges, including root hairs, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and mucilage exudation. Non-invasive imaging techniques like X-ray CT are essential to directly observe these complex phenomena, such as root shrinkage and the formation of air gaps between roots and soil. The combination of high power, high resolution, and versatility made the UniTOM HR the ideal choice for this kind of advanced imaging research.
Looking Ahead
Sebastian and his team are excited about the future of their research. "We are exploring new applications for the UniTOM HR system and continuing to push the boundaries of food process engineering," he concluded.
Sebastian’s work at the Technical University of Munich is paving the way for significant advancements in food preservation, sustainable meat alternatives, and innovative separation techniques. Meanwhile, the RSI group’s research supports critical climate adaptation strategies in agriculture. Together, they demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary collaboration and shared technology in tackling the global challenges of food and climate.
Finally, Sebastian praised his team’s collaboration with the TESCAN micro-CT team in Ghent, Belgium. “Your application team in Ghent are really great people who are really living for what they are doing, so it's always fun working with them. Also, in terms of if you have any questions, they are always happy to help, which I really appreciate,” he concluded.
As both food and agricultural science evolve, tools like micro-CT imaging will continue to play a vital role—offering researchers the clarity and depth they need to visualize and understand complex biological systems. And with TESCAN at their side, these innovators are well-equipped for the journey ahead.
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