Masticatory simulators based on oral physiology in food research: A systematic review

A masticatory simulator is a mechanical device that mimics the physiological structures of the human oral cavity, chewing movement system, and functions. The advantage of this device lies in real-time tracking and analysis of food boluses within a sealed oral space, offering a direct validation platform for food experiments without constraints related to time, space, and individual variations. The degree to which the masticatory simulator simulates physiological structures reflects its efficacy in replicating oral physiological processes. This review mainly discusses the physiological structures of the oral cavity, the simulation of biomimetic components, and the development, feasibility assessment, applications, and prospects of masticatory simulators in food. The highlight of this review is the analogy of biomimetic component designs in masticatory simulators over the past 15 years. It summarizes the limitations of masticatory simulators and their biomimetic components, proposing potential directions for future development. The purpose of this review is to assist readers in understanding the research progress and latest literature findings on masticatory simulators while also offering insights into the design and innovation of masticatory simulators.