Scientists develop 3D-printed meals to aid those with swallowing difficulties

Scientists at the University of Bristol have created 3D printed, nutritious and suitable meals for people with dysphagia, offering an innovative solution for those with swallowing difficulties

©UWE Bristol

A breakthrough came when Dr. Alexandros Stratakos and his team from the University of Bristol came up with 3D-printed meals designed to be soft and easy to chew and swallow. Using an extrusion-based food 3D printer, they have now developed a nutritious and palatable alternative for people suffering from dysphagia-a medical condition whereby swallowing is difficult.

To achieve those unappealing and uninteresting textures, the researchers, in tandem with clinical nutritionists, developed a range of healthy, complex dishes using pureed peas, strained Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, powdered mint leaves, and vegetable broth. The biggest challenge, however, was determining an appropriate combination of thickening and gelling agents to achieve a dysphagia-friendly consistency. Dr. Stratakos explained in detail:

Our 3D food printing reduces the chances of particulated food accumulating in the throat or the esophagus. The final product requires minimal chewing and can be swallowed with greater control.”

Innovative nutritional solution

Whereas earlier studies on 3D-printed foods had focused on single-component meals, UWE Bristol’s project stood out because it came up with a solution that balanced flavor, nutrition, and texture. The team produced multi-ingredient meals that were high in calories, fiber, and protein. These meals elicited positive feedback from dysphagia patients and their caregivers and elicited interest in buying such products if they came into commercial availability.

For printing, the ingredients are inserted into the printer’s cartridges. Similar to food extruders, the 3D-printing method “deposits” layers of food onto a plate to create a three-dimensional structure, all within about 20 minutes. The shapes in which the meals can take give another value to them, visually too.

This project came after much international collaboration: The UK, Greece, and Serbia took part, as did researchers at the Universities of Peloponnese and Novi Sad. Dr. Stratakos now hopes to attract funding for clinical trials and foresees a future where 3D food printers are used in care homes and hospitals.

Source: UWE Bristol