Food Structure and Digestion

The last half century, we have witnessed an enormous change in our diets, resulting in a rapid increase in diet-related diseases. In this research theme, we want to gain fundamental insights in the role of food processing and a food’s structure therein. We study how foods with different degree of processing/structuring are being digested and metabolized through a combination of miniaturization and simulated digestion experiments, with a special focus on structural degradation rate. Besides, we are developing purpose-designed foods and encapsulation systems to generate health effects, like appetite control and a healthy gut microbiota.