High spatial and temporal rsolution X-Ray micro-Computed Tomography System (µ-CT)

• Subject Area: Process Engineering, Technical Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 538007702

The professorships of Root-Soil Interaction and Food Process Engineering at the Technical University (TU) of Munich pursue internationally renowned research in the fields of soil-plant interactions, food process engineering and food structure analysis. Their research approaches require detailed knowledge of the three-dimensional (3D) microstructure of plant roots in situ and of food samples under processing conditions. For visualization and investigation of the relevant processes, imaging techniques are being used increasingly in the respective research areas. The micro-computed tomography (gamma-CT) systems at TU Munich are limited in accessibility. The Garching campus facilities are too far for investigations on living plant and food samples. The only available gamma-CT system at the Freising campus is technologically outdated and lacks the high temporal resolution needed for studying dynamic processes (e.g., freeze-drying of food samples). To conduct internationally leading research, we need a high-resolution gamma-CT system with sub-micrometer spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, an in-situ kit containing cable and tube channels, and a minimum working height of 60 cm to study dynamic, small-scale processes in plant/soil and food samples. Such an instrument enables non-destructive, temporally resolved investigation of the physical structure of samples, allowing the direct investigation of the interactions between roots, soil constituents, and microorganisms, as well as the dynamic evolution of the pore structure of food samples during processing. Equipping a low attenuation detector is essential for investigating organic materials with low attenuation, such as plant-based meat analogues or above-ground plant tissues. A minimum working height of about 60 cm is essential for working with living plants, whose above-ground parts are not to be damaged during measurements. The working height is also a prerequisite for the in-situ investigation on food processing, as test-setups have to be integrated in the gamma-CT. For the integration of the test-setups, an in-situ kit is mandatory. Such an equipped instrument enables us to attract highly endowed third-party funding and provides excellent qualification opportunities for the young scientists entrusted with it. We also plan to use the instrument in the training of students in imaging methods, which will significantly increase the quality of the courses offered, especially in the fields of biology, agricultural and food sciences.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Hochauflösendes Röntgen-Mikro-Computertomographie System
• Instrumentation Group: 3230 Tomographie- und Schichtgeräte (Röntgen-)
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Leader: Professorin Dr.-Ing. Petra Först