The present thesis provides a significant contribution to the understanding of human salt taste sensitivity and the mechanisms involved in oral peri-receptor events. By combining sensory tools with instrumental analytical techniques, the salivary proteome pattern could be demonstrated for the first time to be predictive for the salt taste sensitivity of individuals. Moreover, an endoprotease-catalysed in-mouth generation of L-arginyl peptides was found to enhance salt taste at very low threshold concentrations, thus opening new avenues for salt taste enhancing strategies.      «

The present thesis provides a significant contribution to the understanding of human salt taste sensitivity and the mechanisms involved in oral peri-receptor events. By combining sensory tools with instrumental analytical techniques, the salivary proteome pattern could be demonstrated for the first time to be predictive for the salt taste sensitivity of individuals. Moreover, an endoprotease-catalysed in-mouth generation of L-arginyl peptides was found to enhance salt taste at very low threshold...     »