Fig. 3

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) visualisation of pore structure in different PVA cryogels. Cryogels formed from 10% w/v PVA (88 kDa) in water (a—conventional) and 50% glycerol (b—transparent), with immobilised R. palustris. R. palustris autofluorescence is represented in red; negative staining with fluorescein shows lower densities of cryogel in increased green fluorescence intensity. Optical sections taken 30–40 µm from gel surface. Images acquired and processed identically, with contrast increased for visibility