The glassy state in isolated cuticles : differential scanning calorimetry of tomato fruit cuticular membranes

High-sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry has been used to study the phase transitions of isolated tomato fruit cuticles (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill.). Glass transition temperature of whole cuticular membranes was observed at -30°C. On the other hand, the tomato fruit cutin presented a glass transition at -47°C. A weak secondary polymer transition was observed in the isolated cuticles at 30°C followed by an endothermic event ascribed to the melting of the cuticular waxes.