Figure 1: Clipped rendering of sandwich cookie with three individual filling layers
Utilizing our SkyScan 1275 desktop micro-CT, we were able to quickly image a multilayered sandwich cookie, taking a virtual look within to investigate the distribution of the three filling layers and inclusions while resolving the fine structures and porosity of the cookies.
Micro-CT Scan of Multilayered Sandwich Cookie
Our micro-CT visualization of this sandwich cookie sample provides a useful example of the inspection of food products and the subtle differentiation among ingredients that is sometimes possible. As can be seen in Figure 1 above, we are able to segment the cookies and the three individual filling layers from one another to produce this colorized model of the imaging results.
Figure 2: Planar views through the sandwich cookie
As can be seen in Figure 2, five regimes are visible in the scan results. These five regimes can be separated into the cookies, the brownie batter filling layer, the cream filling layer, the cookie dough filling layer, and the high-density cookie chips present within the cookie dough filling.
Figure 3: Clipped rendering of the sandwich cookie results
Using the reconstructed results, the sample can be digitally inspected from any perspective using CTVox, as we can see in Figure 3. In this view, we digitally sliced the sandwich cookie in half, allowing us an oblique view of the individual components. Of note, significant porosity is present within the cookies, consistent with what we would expect for a baked product. The most interesting finding from this examination is the slight contrast among the three filling layers, allowing for visualization of the final shape of each layer. Both the bottom brownie layer and the top cookie dough layers have visible pores while the cream filling layer appears to be less porous. Individual dense chip inclusions are also visible in the cookie dough layer.
Figure 4: Actual (top) and segmented (bottom) view of the sample and scan results
Comparing the photo of the sandwich cookie to the scan results in Figure 4 allows us to understand the relative accuracy in the segmentation of the individual layers and the cookie inclusions.
Conclusion
The high-speed micro-CT imaging that is possible using the SkyScan 1275 is particularly suited towards food inspection applications, allowing for non-destructive imaging of samples pulled straight from production batches or from store shelves. We hope you found this Image of the Month informative and encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter and social media channels in preparation for the continuation of our image of the month series next month.
Scan Specifications
| Sample | Multilayered Sandwich Cookie |
| Voltage (kV) | 80 |
| Current (µA) | 50 |
| Pixel Size (µm) | 30 |
| Rotation Step | 0.3 |
| Scan Time (HH:MM:SS) | 00:31:09 |
This scan was completed on our high speed desktop SkyScan 1275 system at the Micro Photonics Imaging Laboratory in Allentown, PA. Reconstructions were completed using NRecon and visualization of 2D and 3D results were completed using Dataviewer, CTVox, and Synopsys Simpleware software.
Would you like your work to be featured in our monthly newsletter? If so, please contact us by calling Seth Hogg at 610-366-7103 or e-mailing seth.hogg@microphotonics.com.
