Correlation between Optical and SEM Measurements of Wool Cortical Cell Size

Abstract

Wool fibres consist of micro to nano scale protein constituents that could be used for innovative applications. While techniques for extracting these constituents or making wool fibres into organic powders have been developed, effectively dispersing the particles and accurately determining their size has been difficult in practice. In this study, an ultrasonic method was employed to disperse cortical cells extracted from wool fibres into an immersion oil or ethanol. Specimens of the cortical cells were then observed under optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Cell length and maximum cell diameter were measured to quantify the cell size. The results suggest significant discrepancies exist in the cortical cell size obtained from the two different measurement techniques. The maximum diameter of wool cortical cells obtained from the optical microscope was much larger than that from the scanning electron microscope, while the length was much shorter. A correction factor is given so that cortical cell size obtained from the two measurement techniques can be compared.