Advancement of Imaging and Modeling Techniques for Understanding Gastric Physical Forces on Food

Abstract

The physical forces exerted by the stomach break down the food particles mechanically facilitating digestion and absorption. Such mechanical action occurs by the powerful peristaltic contractions along the stomach wall, known as gastric motor function. Several in vitro models are developed to understand this mechanical digestion of food particle breakdown. However, the fluid mechanical forces that determine the pressure and flow fields with the effect on shear stress, dispersing food particles remains overlooked. Modern imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scan and ultrasound help to visualize the digestion process involving mixing, dilution and dispersion of food. On the other hand, advances in computational methods have proven effective in predicting the interaction between gastric functions and food physical properties. The review discusses the novel imaging and modeling techniques to understand the stomach physical forces that gives information on designing a food formulation (e.g., functional foods) at manufacture stage, targeted for a particular purpose.