587. Fluorescence microscopy of fat in milk and milk powder

Extract

The fat globules in milk and cream by taking up the fluorescent dye phosphine from aqueous solution are rendered fluorescent, and show under the blue light fluorescence microscope a bright yellowish green coloration against the black background. Even very small fat globules (in homogenized milk, cream, skim milk, or buttermilk) and very thin fat layers on the milk-air boundary or on glass can be distinguished owing to the high contrast.

By using glycerol containing two fluorochromes, phosphine for the fat and basic fuchsin for the proteinaceous matter, a very sharp differentiation of these two components in milk-powder particles is attained. Differences in the state of dispersion of fat caused by manufacturing technique and storage conditions, and affecting the properties of powders, are clearly made visible.