In silico modelling of mass transfer & absorption in the human gut

• Published in: Journal of food engineering 2016-05, Vol.176, p.110-120
• Main Authors: Moxon, T.E., Gouseti, O., Bakalis, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Digestion; Emptying; Gastric emptying; Glucose; Glucose absorption; Human gut; In silico modelling; Mass transfer; Nutrients; PAS; Viscosity
• ISSN: 0260-8774; 1873-5770
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2015.10.019

An in silico model has been developed to investigate the digestion and absorption of starch and glucose in the small intestine. The main question we are aiming to address is the relative effect of gastric empting time and luminal viscosity on the rate of glucose absorption. The results indicate that all factors have a significant effect on the amount of glucose absorbed. For low luminal viscosities (e.g. lower than 0.1 Pas) the rate of absorption is controlled by the gastric emptying time. For viscosities higher than 0.1 Pas a 10 fold increase in viscosity can result in a 4 fold decrease of glucose absorbed. Our model, with the simplifications used to develop it, indicate that for high viscosity luminal phases, gastric emptying rate is not the controlling mechanism for nutrient availability. Developing a mechanistic model could help elucidate the rate limiting steps that control the digestion process. •The stomach and small intestine were modelled as ideal reactors.•Absorption of glucose was modelled as a function of viscosity within the lumen.•Increasing the viscosity reduced the amount of glucose absorbed.•The gastric emptying rate is an important factor in the absorption of nutrients.