3D-Printed Pacifier-Shaped Mouthpiece for fMRI-Compatible Gustometers

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sensory Science
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of taste perception require precise stimulus delivery systems.
• Existing gustometer mouthpieces can be challenging for participants lying supine in MRI scanners, especially when swallowing is necessary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an innovative, 3D-printed fMRI-compatible mouthpiece for delivering taste stimuli.
• To enable participants to swallow naturally during fMRI scans, enhancing the ecological validity of taste perception research.

Main Methods:

• A novel mouthpiece design, inspired by infant pacifiers, was 3D-printed for fMRI compatibility.
• The mouthpiece was tested on a large sample of human participants for the delivery of gustatory stimuli.
• Brain activity was measured using fMRI to assess the neural correlates of taste perception.

Main Results:

• The mouthpiece successfully delivered taste stimuli, eliciting significant activation in the insular and piriform cortex, known taste processing areas.
• The design proved to be precise, reliable, hygienic, comfortable, and cost-effective to manufacture.
• The system allowed for natural swallowing during fMRI acquisition.

Conclusions:

• The pacifier-inspired 3D-printed mouthpiece is an effective and practical tool for fMRI taste research.
• This innovation facilitates the study of taste and flavor perception within reward processing and affective neuroscience.
• The method offers an integrative approach to understanding the emotional aspects of sensory rewards.