Correlation of human perception in swallowing with extension rheological and tribological characteristics in comparison with shear rheology

J Texture Stud. 2022 Feb;53(1):60-71. doi: 10.1111/jtxs.12648. Epub 2021 Dec 10.

Abstract

Correlation was investigated between instrumental characteristics obtained by extension rheological or tribological measurements and human perception while swallowing using aqueous solutions of xanthan gum and locust bean gum. Extension viscosity and the friction coefficient were measured using a capillary breakup rheometer and a rotation tribometer, respectively, as in our previous study. Results were compared with shear viscosity to clarify novelty and advantage of these mechanical parameters. It was indicated that perceived cohesiveness correlated the highest with the maximum extension viscosity immediately after the onset of extensional flow, perceived spinnability correlated with extension viscosity in high Hencky strain region, and perceived sliminess correlated with the friction coefficient at the critical point between the boundary lubrication and the mixed lubrication. These correlations were discussed and tried to validate considering biomechanics of human swallowing and food-human interactions.

Keywords: extensional rheology; human perception; polysaccharide; swallow; tribology.

MeSH terms

  • Deglutition*
  • Humans
  • Lubrication
  • Perception*
  • Rheology / methods
  • Viscosity