Development and validation of a mastication simulator

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Food Science
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Studying food bolus formation during mastication is crucial for understanding digestion.
• Observing the in-vivo process of bolus formation is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the Artificial Masticatory Advanced Machine (AM2), a novel device designed to simulate human mastication.
• To evaluate the AM2's capability in replicating human food bolus formation.

Main Methods:

• The AM2 allows adjustable parameters including masticatory cycles, jaw movement amplitude, force, temperature, and saliva composition.
• Peanuts and carrots were used as test foods to compare AM2-generated boluses with human-generated boluses.
• Particle size distribution (granulometric characteristics) of food boluses was analyzed.

Main Results:

• The AM2 successfully mimicked human masticatory behavior.
• Food boluses produced by the AM2 exhibited similar granulometric characteristics to those formed by human mastication.
• The device's adjustable parameters allow for controlled simulation of chewing.

Conclusions:

• The Artificial Masticatory Advanced Machine (AM2) is a viable tool for researching food bolus formation.
• The AM2 provides a reliable in-vitro model for studying mastication and its effect on food structure.
• This simulation technology can advance research in food science, nutrition, and digestive health.