UK scientists make first food using a 3D printer for people with swallowing difficulties
Scientists at a British university have become the first create 3D printed food–to help people with swallowing difficulties.
Academics led by UWE Bristol have used an extrusion-based 3D food printer to produce meals which are easy to chew, swallow, and digest.
Meals produced for the research were developed alongside clinical nutritionists to ensure they were complete, multi-ingredient, nutrient-rich dishes suitable for people with dysphagia.
Trying to overcome the problem of pureed foods often being bland, unappetizing in texture, and lacking in nutritional variety, the team made their food using pureed garden peas, strained Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, powdered organic mint leaves and vegetable stock.
The researchers experimented by trying different novel combinations of food grade thickeners and gelling agents until they identified an optimum formulation that provided a texture and viscosity suitable for people with the disorder.