Feasibility study of hydrocolloid incorporated 3D printed pork as dysphagia food

The effect of the independent (0.36%) and combined (0.36% in proportion 0.5:0.5, 0.7:0.3, and 0.3:0.7) addition of xanthan gum and guar gum on the rheological, textural, and microstructural properties of 3D printed cooked pork paste was examined. Shear-thinning behaviour and self-supporting ability were observed for all the samples, resulting in upright printing performance. Upon post-processing by freezing at −18 °C, heating at 100 °C for 7 min, and cooling to 37 °C, significant (P < 0.05) textural differences were recorded. The control sample displayed higher hardness, chewiness, and cohesiveness than the samples with added hydrocolloids, elucidated by a lower loss tangent (more elastic-like behaviour), and a denser microstructure observed in the cryo-SEM micrographs. Whereas, the samples with hydrocolloids presented a visible extended network with heterogeneous cavities-size, suggesting additional water retention and a more viscous-like behaviour than the control sample after post-processing, thus categorized as potential transitional foods within the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Framework.