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Figure 2. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs of fresh and digested dried chicory root. (A-C) plant cell matrix of (A) fresh chicory root with (B) intact plant cells and (C) intracellular inulin as indicated by red arrows; (D) intact plant cell matrix of dried chicory root cubes after rehydration prior to upper gastrointestinal digestion; (E) plant cell matrix after gastric digestion of dried chicory root cubes; (F) plant cell matrix after gastric and small intestinal digestion of dried chicory roots. While the macrostructure appeared to weaken over time [Supplementary Figure 2], the overall structure remained visually unchanged throughout the gastric and small intestinal phases, with no observed holes or cracks in the plant cell walls. Note the different magnifications in panels (B) and (C).