Figure 4. Scanning electron micrographs of starch granules from maize during in vitro digestion by Tenebrio molitor amylase and by two amylase fractions purified from larval Zabrotes subfasciatus (see Figs. 1 and 2). Starch granules were incubated with 0.5 U of the α-amylases for 12 h and 48 h. After incubation, degraded starch granules were washed, dehydrated and observed. Note the formation of pits and crater-like holes on the surface of the granules after 12 h, and that these holes increased in number after 48 h of incubation, leaving a “Swiss cheese” pattern of the digested starch granules. Bars: 5 mm.