Scientists at a British university have become the first to create 3D printed food to help people with swallowing difficulties.
Academics led by UWE Bristol have used an extrusion 3D food printer to produce meals that are easy to chew, swallow and digest.
The meals produced for the research were developed in collaboration with clinical nutritionists to ensure they were complete, multi-ingredient, nutrient-rich meals suitable for people with dysphagia.
Trying to overcome the problem of pureed foods that are often bland, unappetizing in texture and lacking in nutritional variety, the team prepared their food using pureed peas, strained Greek yogurt, extra olive oil virgin, powdered organic mint leaves and vegetable broth.
Researchers experimented with different novel combinations of food-grade thickeners and gelling agents until they identified an optimal formulation with a texture and viscosity suitable for people with the disease.
“With our 3D printed foods, there is much less risk of food particles getting stuck in the throat or esophagus, which can be very problematic for people with dysphagia,” said Dr. Alexandros Stratakos , associate professor in sustainable food production at UWE. .
“It requires less chewing and has a specially formulated structure that gives more control over food to the person with dysphagia.
“Previous research on 3D printed foods suitable for dysphasia has focused on meals containing a single or small number of ingredients and paid less attention to the nutritional profile of the food.
“Our food product is the first to be suitable for people with dysphagia, but at the same time it is nutritious, tasty and high in calories.
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“As researchers, we are trying to solve real-world problems and dysphagia is a very important problem. This is a growing problem due to our aging population and will become a greater burden on healthcare, both in the UK and internationally.
“This study highlights the importance of bringing together multidisciplinary expertise, in this case across food science, additive manufacturing and dietetics/nutrition, to develop new solutions to real-world problems.” »
Estimates suggest that up to 16% of the UK population suffers from dysphagia – with the condition being more common in older people and people with certain health conditions, including stroke and dementia patients.
To make the food, the researchers added ingredients to cartridges placed inside the 3D printer. When the machine is turned on, ingredients are extruded like ink through nozzles onto a plate. (Watch the video below…)
Layers are deposited on the surface of the plate in a pre-programmed shape, then several layers are added to construct a three-dimensional object.
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Meals can be prepared quickly, in around 20 minutes, and printed in a variety of attractive designs and shapes.
A survey showed that UK-based dysphagia patients and their carers were “overwhelmingly positive” about the concept of the type of 3D printed meals produced in the study. Respondents said that if they were commercially available, they would be willing to buy these meals, which are high in fiber and protein.
Following the success of their laboratory research, the team now hopes to obtain funding to conduct a clinical trial.
Dr Stratakos said he could envisage 3D food printers eventually being introduced into care homes and hospitals to enable on-site food production. “We have tested the foods here in the laboratory ourselves and they are delicious. »
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Dr Clare Jonas from the Stroke Association said swallowing problems affect around half of all stroke survivors, which can be dangerous, causing poor eating, which can lead to choking or lung infections. “So safety is a major concern, but healthy, tasty meals also matter. »
The project was an international collaboration between the UK, Greece and Serbia, including researchers from the University of the Peloponnese and the University of Novi Sad.
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