Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of nanoencapsulated food ingredients

Abstract Over the last few decades, various nanoencapsulation strategies have been progressively utilized in foods and pharmaceuticals. To evaluate the features and efficiency of different engineered nanodelivery systems, high-tech and efficient approaches need to be developed. In this context, electron microscopic methodologies, especially transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, have been developed as a crucial implement for characterization of different nutraceutical delivery systems, e.g., nanoliposomes, nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, etc. This chapter offers an overview of instrumentation utilized in TEM analysis, the specimen preparation techniques, as well as various challenges and benefits of different TEM approaches are covered. Furthermore, the strategy to choose the most appropriate approach for an individual nanovehicle is presented.