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Review Paper

Advancements in thermal and nonthermal process-assisted osmotic dehydration: A comprehensive review on current technologies for enhancing the quality of foods

Kulwinder Kaur1,2, Baldev Singh Kalsi3, Ruchika Zalpouri3,4*, Pratik Pandit Potdar5, Sajeev Rattan Sharma3, Mohammed Shafiq Alam3, R. Pandiselvam6

1Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India;

2Department of Food Technology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India;

3Department of Processing and Food Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India;

4BANC Biopolymers Private Limited, Ludhiana, Punjab, India;

5Maharashtra Institute of Technology (Autonomous), Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra, India;

6Physiology, Biochemistry and Post-Harvest Technology Division, ICAR – Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod, Kerala, India

Abstract

Osmotic dehydration (OD), a process driven by water-solute diffusion, has emerged as a sustainable method of food preservation, reducing water activity without phase change, thereby extending shelf life and improving food quality. Unlike traditional drying, recent technological advancements have significantly enhanced OD efficiency, shortened processing times, and reduced energy consumption by integrating innovative thermal and nonthermal methods, such as ultrasound, pulsed electric fields, high-pressure processing, ohmic heating, and pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration. These hybrid approaches accelerate dehydration, enhance retention of bioactive compounds, and improve nutritional, sensory as well as microbial attributes. The use of membrane technologies and optimized process parameters further supports the sustainability and scalability of OD methods. Despite these innovations, challenges remain, including process standardization, solution management, and industrial feasibility. This review summarizes the principles, recent technological advancements, and potential future directions in OD; it highlights its potential for sustainable, energy-efficient, and consumer-preferred food products as well as broader industrial adoption with improved food security.

Key words: dehydration, fruits and vegetables, nonthermal technologies, osmotic, quality

*Corresponding Author: Ruchika Zalpouri, Department of Processing and Food Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India. Email: [email protected]

Academic Editor: Maria Tarapoulouzi, PhD, Department of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, Cyprus

Received: 4 February 2025; Accepted: 16 June 2025; Published: 12 July 2025

DOI: 10.15586/qas.v17i3.1566

© 2025 Codon Publications
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)

Introduction

The preservation and extended shelf life of food are significantly influenced by water activity. A practical strategy to achieve this is by decreasing the moisture content in fruits and vegetables (Pandiselvam et al., 2021; Zalpouri et al., 2020). Water significantly influences both chemical properties of food and its sensory attributes, which are critical for consumer satisfaction. Dehydration, one of the oldest and most widely adopted food preservation techniques, involves removing moisture to a level where water activity is sufficiently reduced (Borse et al., 2024; Kaur et al., 2024; Zalpouri et al., 2022). This reduction in water activity helps to prevent concurrent microbial and enzymatic activities, thereby preserving quality of the product (Kaur et al., 2016; Pravitha et al., 2021). However, while drying methods are effective in extending the shelf life of food, they can significantly affect the quality of the final product (Kaur et al., 2023). Common quality issues associated with dehydrated products include challenges in reconstitution, alterations in textural properties, and loss of nutritional and sensory attributes, such as flavor, color, and taste (Kumar et al., 2023). These defects often stem from exposure to high drying temperatures and prolonged drying durations (Delfiya et al., 2022; Jeevarathinam et al., 2021). Considering these facts, several new methods for improving dried food quality have been explored; osmotic dehydration (OD) has been demonstrated to be an effective pretreatment prior to regular drying (Kutlu et al., 2022; Pravitha et al., 2022). The OD process is receiving increasing attention as a complementary technique in foodstuffs, as it has the potential to improve quality and reduce energy consumption (Kaur et al., 2022).

In the OD process, plant tissue undergoes immersion in a hypertonic solution to facilitate the partial removal of moisture (Kaur et al., 2020, 2022). This hypertonic solution comprises osmotic constituents that draw water from the cell tissues, occupying the space between the cell wall and cell membrane (Ciurzyńska et al., 2016). The elevated osmotic pressure and reduced water activity of the osmotic solution generally drive the transfer of water from the cells into the solution (Figure 1; Zeeshan et al., 2016). At the same time, solutes from the osmotic solution diffuse into the cell tissues, creating a counter-movement (Abrahão and Corrêa, 2023; Manzoor et al., 2023). It is noteworthy that the cell membrane, responsible for osmotic transport, may not exhibit perfect selectivity; other solutes, such as sugar, organic acids, minerals, and vitamins, present in the cell can diffuse into osmotic solution (Ramya et al., 2017). While the quantities of these solutes that diffuse may be relatively small compared to water transfer, they can still impact quality of the final product. Osmotic pressure is an equilibrium force between a solution and a solvent, expressed as follows:

=R×T×lnawV, 1

where Π represents the osmotic pressure, V is the molar volume of water (measured in liters), R is the gas constant (in Nm/mol K), T denotes the absolute temperature (in Kelvin), and aw is the water activity coefficient. Variation in osmotic pressure between two systems gives rise to mass transfer phenomena, namely the osmotic dewatering of fruits and vegetables, along with the counter-diffusion of solutes toward the cell wall (Ramya et al., 2017).

Figure 1. Mechanism involved during osmosis. (Source: Asghari et al., 2024)

Osmotic dehydration is a widely recognized technique for reducing moisture content in food while preserving its quality (Ranjani et al., 2024). This technique efficiently inhibits oxidative browning and preserves volatile flavor compounds, helping to maintain the sensory qualities and physicochemical properties of the product. Additionally, it is an energy-efficient process that does not require chemical additives to prevent enzymatic or oxidative browning (Kaur et al., 2022; Sriraaman et al., 2021). Another key advantage is reduction in both weight and volume, which simplifies storage and transportation. However, despite these benefits, certain challenges limit its large-scale industrial adoption. Managing the osmotic solution remains a challenge, and for some products, the formation of an undesirable sugar coating necessitates immediate rinsing post-treatment. Additionally, the quality of hypertonic solution can deteriorate over time because of the leaching of soluble from the product. Large-scale implementation is further constrained by the formation of a concentrated solid layer, which influences sugar content, flavor retention, and rehydration properties. Addressing these limitations through process optimization and technological advancements could improve the feasibility of OD for industrial applications (Abrahão and Corrêa, 2023; Bashir et al., 2020; Shete et al., 2018).

Mechanism Involved in Osmotic Dehydration

The extracellular volume is composed of the wall of the cell and the space between the cells. Several pathways contribute to OD, including symplastic (transport within the intracellular volume), free space (transport through extracellular space), and apoplastic (transfer across plasma membranes). During osmosis, water is primarily removed via diffusion and capillary flow, while solutes are only absorbed or leached through diffusion. Consequently, the placement of a food material in a hypertonic solution generates a concentration gradient between the hypertonic solution and the cells. The initial cell layer in direct contact with the solution starts to lose water, leading to the contraction or shrinkage of the material. Upon losing water from the first layer of the cell, the cells in the second layer develop a chemical potential difference in water. This makes the water in the second layer move toward the first layer, causing the cell to shrink. Consequently, the process of mass transfer and tissue shrinkage progresses from the surface to the center of the material until significant water loss occurs at the core of the material. The mass transfer flux is likely to reach equilibrium after an extended contact period between the liquid and solid phases (Bashir et al., 2020; Shete et al., 2018). The OD process induces concurrent tissue shrinkage and mass transfer, leading to changes in mechanical properties and structural deformation. Additionally, the nonselective nature of the cell membrane allows organic acids, minerals, sugars, colorants, and fragrances to potentially flow directly into the hypertonic solution (Rastogi et al., 2014). Sucrose, glucose, and fructose syrups are widely used in OD of fruits and vegetables but can raise blood sugar levels, making them unsuitable for diabetic consumers (Cozma and Sievenpiper, 2014; Mari et al., 2024). Sodium chloride (NaCl) is effective for vegetable dehydration but imparts a salty taste, limiting its use in fruits (Bashir et al., 2020; Kaur et al., 2020). Fruit juices and by-product extracts are increasingly being utilized for their rich bioactive compounds and flavor-enhancing properties, thereby enhancing the overall product quality (Kowalska et al., 2023; Rastogi et al., 2014; Yazidi et al., 2024). Polyols (xylitol, sorbitol, erythritol, and maltitol) offer low-calorie alternatives with dental benefits but may alter snack sensory attributes (Cichowska et al., 2018; Corrêa et al., 2021; Ding and Yang, 2021). Additionally, polyols have a lower caloric value than sucrose because of their poor absorption in the gut, which can benefit people who struggle with diabetes or obesity (Barba et al., 2024; Mendonça et al., 2017; Rice et al., 2020). Jaggery, a nutrient-rich unrefined sugar, is emerging as a healthier alternative, enhancing the mineral content and antioxidant properties of osmotic-dehydrated fruits (Barrera et al., 2024; Kaur et al., 2024). Honey, recognized for its ability to inhibit enzymatic browning, also boosts the sensory characteristics of the product (Chavan and Amarowicz, 2012; Kaur, 2022). Emerging agents, such as sugar beet molasses and concentrated fruit juices, have shown potential for natural fortification, enriching the final product with essential minerals, such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium (Haneef et al., 2024; Silva et al., 2014). In recent years, concentrated juices have been proposed as alternative osmotic agents because they are natural sources of nutritional compounds (Chambi et al., 2016; Jiménez et al., 2020; Samborska et al., 2019). Stevia and tagatose, with their low glycemic index and therapeutic properties, are also being explored for healthier OD applications (Ranjani et al., 2024; Rubio-Arraez et al., 2015). Table 1 provides an overview on the effects of various hypertonic solutions on final products.

Table 1. Osmotic agents and their effects.

Osmotic agent Product Processing condition Effect References
Sugar solution containing anthocyanin extract Watermelon rind • Osmosis solution concentration: Sugar (30–70°Brix) with anthocyanin extract at 5–6°Brix
• Osmosis time: 4 h
The developed product had a crunchier texture because of sugar infusion and higher chroma because of added anthocyanin during the process, which resulted in higher sensory attributes Bellary et al., 2016
Concentrated juices (red grape juice) Yellow melon • Osmosis solution concentration: 60°Brix
• Osmotic solution temperature: 40°C
The osmotic dehydration with grape juice concentrate was the most effective one, with higher dehydration and the lowest solute gain (WL/SG of 11.2±3.0), compared to the process carried out with sucrose solution Chambi et al., 2016
Oligosaccharides Pumpkin • Osmosis solution concentration: oligofructose and mixture of sucrose–oligofructose 1:1 with 70° Brix
• Osmotic solution temperature: 75°C, 85°C, and 95°C
• Osmosis time: 240 min
Oligofructose and the mixture of sucrose and oligofructose showed the highest level of water loss, while the OD solution containing merely oligofructose led to the highest increase in soluble solids Katsoufi et al., 2017
Honey Pineapple (slices) • Osmotic solution concentration: 50°Brix
• Osmosis time: 24 h
The highest sensory score was recorded at 6-mm thick pineapple slices. The lowest sensory score at 12-mm thick pineapple slices Mahesh et al., 2017
Polyols solutions (erythritol, xylitol, and maltitol) Apples • Osmosis solution concentration: 20%, 30%, and 40%
• Osmotic solution temperature: 40°C
• Osmosis time: 6 h
Low-calorie sweeteners with properties similar to sugar. They benefit diabetic and obese individuals because of poor absorption in the gut. OD in inulin (INU) and oligofructose was ineffective—the observed values of WL were low while the highest WL during OD was in maltitol even at 20% concentration Cichowska
et al., 2018
Sucrose Kiwi • Osmosis solution concentration: 45, 55, and 65°Brix
• Osmotic solution temperature: 25°C
• Osmosis time: 300 min
Water activity decrease was higher when the product was in 65°Brix solution Brochier et al., 2019
Stevia Tomatoes • Osmotic solution temperature: 75°C, 85°C, and 95°C
• Osmosis time: 180 min
• Osmotic solution concentration: 65, 70, and 75°Brix
Calorie-free sweetener with 15 times the sweetening power of sucrose. Exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-hyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-diarrheal, and diuretic properties Giannakourou et al., 2020b; Lazou et al., 2020
Salt Potatoes • Osmosis solution concentration: 10%, 15%, and 20%
• Osmotic solution temperature: 40°C
• Osmosis time: 4 h
Inhibited both oxidative and nonenzymatic browning. Facilitated water loss (23.85%) and solute gain (20.53%) transfer and prevented surface shrinkage Hawa et al., 2020
NaCl solution and sucrose Peas • Osmosis solution concentration: NaCl: 10% (w/w), sucrose: 10°Brix, and mixed solution: 10% (w/w) NaCl and 10°Brix sucrose
• Osmotic solution temperature: 30°C, 40°C, and 50°C
• Osmosis time: 2.5 h
Drying of fresh green peas subjected to osmotic pre-treatment at optimized conditions, followed by three-stage convective drying, yielded dried peas with low moisture content, minimal color change, and sufficient sphericity and hardness Kaur et al., 2020
Concentrated juices (chokeberry, flowering quince, and raspberry concentrated juices) Pumpkin • Osmosis solution concentration: 40°Brix and 45°C
• Osmosis time: 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, and 6 h
The bioactivity of samples improved significantly, particularly in terms of polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. The highest levels of polyphenolic compounds and the strongest antioxidant capacity were observed when flowering quince concentrated juice was used for osmotic dehydration Lech et al., 2020
Calcium chloride Melon chips • Osmosis solution concentration:
2 g 100 mL-1
• Osmotic solution temperature: 25°C
The vacuum-impregnated (VI) melons presented higher mass gain and drying time. It resulted in the highest calcium incorporation, increasing up to 13 times the calcium concentration of the samples da Silva Barros de Oliveira et al., 2021
Jaggery and coconut sugar Coconut • Osmosis solution concentration: 45–55°Brix Coconut sugar-treated and jaggery-treated chips were observed to be more visually appealing than sucrose-based samples. Coconut sugar exhibited the values of the mass transfer of solute and water during osmotic dehydration and convective drying Pravitha et al., 2021, 2022
Glycerol (GLY) and INU Plums • Osmosis solution concentration: INU (50–100 g); GLY (200–400 g)
• Osmotic solution temperature: 60°C
• Osmosis time: 240 min
INU (100 g) and GLY (219 g) resulted in water loss (WL) and water retention (WR) values of 30% and 29%, respectively, along with INU and GLY gain of 119 mg/g and 373 mg/g, respectively Palacios Romero et al., 2022
Lactose Zucchini • Osmosis solution concentration: 30%, 40%, and 50% (w/v)
• Osmotic solution temperature: 26°C
• Osmosis time: 2 h
Lactose at 49.99% yielded 5.88 g/g idm moisture loss, 0.872 g/g idm sucrose absorption, and 0.704 g/g idm moisture content Rahman et al., 2022
Coconut sugar Strawberries • Osmosis solution concentration: 40% and 60% (w/w)
• Osmosis time: 300 min
SG, WL, and WR increased over the OD time and showed values of up to 7.94%, 63.40%, and 55.94%, respectively, and maintenance of acidity, anthocyanins, AA, total phenolics, and antioxidants Healthier alternative to sucrose and jaggery. Has a lower glycemic index (35–42), compared to jaggery (84.1) and sucrose (82), making it suitable for diabetic individuals Macedo et al., 2023
Sucrose with pea protein isolate (PPI) Apple slices • Osmosis solution concentration: sucrose at 40% wt with 3% wt PPI
• Osmotic solution temperature: 40°C
• Osmosis time: 4 h
Reduced sugar or sucrose uptake by product from 51.79 mg/100 g to 46.12 mg/100 mg dry basis, preventing health risk because of elevated sugar level Wang et al., 2023
Sucrose with INU Apple slices • Osmosis solution concentration: Sucrose at 40% with 1.5% wt INU
• Osmotic solution temperature: 40°C
• Osmosis time: 4 h
Reduced sugar or sucrose uptake by product from 51.79 mg/100 g to 43.43 mg/100 mg dry basis, preventing health risk because of elevated sugar level Wang et al., 2023
Isomaltulose Papaya • Osmosis solution concentration: 35% w/w
• Osmosis time: 300 min with vacuum application at 80 kPa for the first 20 min and immersed in 95% ethanol for 2 min
30% reduction for a total drying time of 240 min in convective drying along with lower shrinkage, hardness, and effective diffusivity Cruz et al., 2025
Sugar beet molasses Beetroot • Osmosis solution concentration: 40%, 60%, and 80%
• Osmotic solution temperature: 20°C, 40°C, and 60°C
• Osmosis time: 1 h, 3 h, and 5 h
Enhances the product quality at temperature 60°C, molasses concentration 70%, and processing time 5 h Šuput et al., 2024
Sucrose with jaggery Pineapple • Osmosis solution concentration: 60°Brix
• Osmosis time: 5 h
Water loss (32.3%) and weight reduction (24.9%) with the overall acceptable quality Siwach et al., 2025

Notes: g/g idm: grams of water per gram of initial dry matter; AA: ascorbic acid; SG: solid gain; WL: water loss; WR: water retention; OD: osmotic dehydration.

Advancements in Osmotic Dehydration for Improved Mass Transfer Processes

Traditionally, food preservation has relied on thermal methods. However, heat treatment often compromises the nutritional value, appearance, and flavor of food. To achieve effective microbial reduction while preserving food quality, various nonthermal techniques have been developed, including the use of hydrostatic pressure and pulsed electric fields (PEFs). OD, being a slower process, has prompted the exploration of additional methods to enhance mass transfer without adversely affecting product quality. Several approaches, such as ultrasound, high hydrostatic pressure, PEFs, vacuum, centrifugal force, and microwaves (MW), have been employed to accelerate mass transfer rates.

Ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration (UAOD)

Osmo-sonication refers to a combination of OD and ultrasound applied to food products (Osae et al., 2019). By employing an ultrasonic probe or an ultrasonic bath, mechanical waves with frequencies of 20 kHz and 1 MHz are applied to either aqueous media or food immersed in a hypertonic solution (Figure 2). Various ultrasound-assisted methods include pretreatment with ultrasound, airborne ultrasound-assisted drying, and contacting ultrasound-assisted drying. The utilization of low-frequency ultrasound (20–100 kHz) and high-energy ultrasound induces a rapid cycle of expansion and compression, resulting in alterations to cellular structure, ultimately reducing the moisture (Kalsi et al., 2022, 2023). Wu et al. (2020) examined the effect of ultrasound on the increase of mass transfer and the reduction of drying time by 20–50% following OD of Pakchoi stems. In addition to increasing water loss, both OD and ultrasound enhance phenolic and antioxidant concentration in sucrose (Rahaman et al., 2019). Nowacka et al. (2017) reported that kiwifruit retained chlorophyll after osmo-sonication. As a result of the collapse of small cavitation bubbles, free radicals are formed, namely H+ and OH-, which may accelerate certain chemical reactions and form extra molecules, thus leading to a risk of radicals destroying bioactive compounds, for example, phenol. Heat-sensitive compounds could be preserved by using ultrasound-assisted low-temperature drying. Additionally, ultrasound treatments are easy to perform and offer the benefit of enhancing OD efficiency and speed (Nowacka et al., 2021). Bozkir et al. (2019) conducted a research study in which the influence of ultrasound and OD as pretreatments on the drying behavior and quality of persimmon fruit was studied. UAOD, particularly when applied for 30 min, led to faster drying, increased water loss, and improved water diffusivity, while maintaining color properties similar to untreated samples. Memis et al. (2023) conducted a study in which response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the efficiency of ultrasonic-assisted OD, combined with subsequent MW drying for beetroot, resulting in improved color and the preservation of antioxidant properties. Both pretreatment and MW drying methods ensured product quality, and increasing MW power levels were observed to enhance diffusion coefficients. Table 2 displays the impact of treatment conditions in UAOD on the quality characteristics of various products.

Figure 2. Ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration setup and mechanism showing enhanced mass transfer via cavitation, cell disruption, and electroporation.

Table 2. Effect of ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration treatment conditions on the quality parameters of different products.

Product Osmotic agent O/P ratio Ultrasound conditions Results References
Persimmon Sucrose solution
(45 & 70°Brix)
- 35 kHz,
10–30 min
• Increased water loss and sugar gain
• Decreased drying time and 21% increase in effective water diffusivity by 30 min
Bozkir et al., 2019
Mango Sucrose solutions (120–500 kg/m3) 4:1 25 kHz, 55 kW/m3 • Ultrasonic pretreatment only effective with
500 kg sucrose/m3
Fernandes et al., 2019
Chinese yam Salt solution (5%) - 1.52, 2.28, and 3.04 W/g • Increased the mass transfer, increased loss factor, and made the water more mobile
• Acceleration of drying and energy savings
Li et al., 2020
Litchi Sucrose solution (50%) 4:1 37 kHz • Rise in water loss (28.73±3.25%) and solid gain (45.44±6.85%) levels in litchi fruit
• Enhancement in fruit quality during freezing and thawing processes
Fong-in et al., 2021
Peach Sucrose solution (70%) 4:1 30 kHz, 100 W, 50 and 75% amplitude • Remarkable reduction in microbial count and pathogen
• Higher ultrasound amplitude boosts inactivation
• Also reduced the moisture content, total phenolics, and DPPH antiradical activity
Hashemi and Jafarpour, 2021
Strawberry Sucrose: 40-g/100 g solution
Trehalose: 40-g/100 g solution
Sucrose–maltodextrin solution: 30-g sucrose + 10-g maltodextrin per 100-g solution
4:1 45 Hz,
180–360 W
• Ultrasound treatment increases the drying rate and reduces drying time by 10%
• Dried product has better texture and nutritional quality
Jiang et al., 2021
Plum Sucrose (20°Brix) 4:1 40 kHz,
0.45–1.35 W/g
• Improvement in mass transfer
• Shortening of drying time
• Lower ultrasound intensity can retain the quality better
Li et al., 2021
Apple Sucrose (30–50°Brix) - 40 kHz,
75–150 W
• Higher concentrations of sucrose solution led to greater weight reduction, increased soluble solids gain, and enhanced water loss
• Elevated sonication power levels contributed to increased weight reduction, higher soluble solids gain, and greater water loss
Salehi et al., 2022
Gooseberry Sugar solution (45–65%) 6:1–14:1 100–500 W • Power level of 280 W proved effective for achieving higher water loss in gooseberry
• Ultrasound treatment inactivates microorganisms and enzymes in cape gooseberry, thereby extending its shelf life
• Optimal conditions for the process variables—ultrasonication power, time, solvent concentration, and solid-to-solvent ratio—were determined to be 282.434 W, 50.280 min, 55.836%, and 9.250 w/w, respectively
Kumar Dash et al., 2023
Beetroot Salt (NaCl) (0–30%) - 40 kHz,
50–100 W
• The quality characteristics were preserved
• Enhanced color observed with all pretreatments
• Significantly higher DPPH scavenging activities after ultrasonic-assisted osmotic dehydration
Memis et al., 2023
Kiwifruit Sucrose solution (20%, 30%, and 40%) - 40 kHz, 75
and 150 W
• UAOD treatment increased moisture loss and soluble solids gain
• Higher ultrasound intensity (150 W) showed reduced duration of dehydration (higher water loss), improved dehydration rate, and increased effective moisture diffusivity
Salehi et al., 2023

Note: O/P: osmotic agent–product mass ratio; DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl.

Gamma irradiation and osmotic dehydration

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has deemed gamma irradiation at doses of up to 10 kGy as safe (Asghari et al., 2024). This process induces structural modifications in food tissues, resulting in membrane permeabilization and improved mass transfer during OD (Ahmed et al., 2016; Ramya et al., 2017). By integrating irradiation with OD, the reliance on thermal treatments is reduced, thereby maintaining the quality of the product and nutritional value (Asghari et al., 2024; Ramya et al., 2017). A study is being conducted on the combined effects of gamma irradiation and OD to determine the drying kinetics of dried potato and quality characteristics, namely its appearance, rehydration ratio, and vitamin C content (Rastogi and Raghavarao, 2004; Wang et al., 2003). Researchers found that gamma radiation exposure causes (3.0–12.0 kGy) structural changes in tissues that increase cell permeability and thus maximize mass transfer rates (Nayak et al., 2007). In a study by Srijaya and Shanthti (2017), it was reported that OD or gamma irradiation preserved guava slice nutrients and color during storage. Mousa et al. (2024) investigated the impact of OD with various treatment solutions (1% citric acid, 20% sucrose, and their combination) and gamma irradiation (1 and 3 kGy) on the nutritional quality of dried fruit. Their findings indicated that treating fruit with a combination of 1% citric acid and 20% sucrose before drying at 3 kGy improved its nutritional properties. However, sensory evaluation results showed that the sample irradiated at 1 kGy received higher ratings than the samples treated at 3 kGy. Hassan et al. (2024) evaluated the effects of various osmotic solutions (1% citric acid, 10% NaCl, and their combination) and gamma irradiation (1 and 3 kGy) on the quality of dehydrated vegetable slices. The results showed that pre-treatment with 1% citric acid and 10% NaCl enhanced ash content (3.43–4.34%), hardness, and total phenolic content (38.37–117.04 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/100 g). Additionally, sensory evaluation indicated that samples irradiated at 1 kGy were rated higher in preference, compared to those exposed to 3 kGy or left unirradiated

Centrifugal osmotic dehydration technique

Fruit and vegetable processing industries are using centrifugal osmotic dehydration (COD) as a tool to increase mass fluxes during OD (Barman and Badwaik, 2017). Amami et al. (2007) suggested the use of centrifugal force during osmosis, resulting in a higher ratio between water loss and solute absorption. In the OD process using a salt solution, centrifugation of bamboo shoots led to an increased rehydration ratio, concurrently reducing solid gain, hardness, and color values (Badwaik et al., 2014).

Microwave-assisted osmotic dehydration

The MW drying method is a relatively new mode to dry food. MWs are capable of penetrating food materials to generate heat within them. MW treatment induces a vapor pressure that expels moisture from the interior to the outer surface, simultaneously diminishing the rate of case hardening (Manzoor et al., 2021). A distinctive characteristic of MW is its ability to generate internal heat within the product, a phenomenon known as volumetric heating (Surendhar et al., 2019). The key differentiating characteristics of MW heating from conventional heating lie in the rate and direction of heat transfer. As electromagnetic fields are applied in MW drying, dielectric molecules are agitated, resulting in a rapid rise in temperature (Amanda et al., 2021). A MW-assisted OD process uses electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of 2,450 MHz to enhance the removal of moisture from fruits or vegetables by allowing them to soak in a hypertonic solution of an osmotic agent (Figure 3). Similarly, the use of solutes, such as sugar or salt, offers benefits in minimizing the shrinkage of fruits. These solutions aid in penetrating the tissue, contributing favorably to the characteristics of the final product (Manzoor et al., 2021).

Figure 3. Microwave (MW)-assisted osmotic dehydration process: (A) MW-induced cell membrane permeability enhances water loss during osmosis, and (B) post-osmosis MW drying further removes moisture from the sample.

Microwave-assisted osmo-dehydration, when compared to OD alone, results in more water loss to solid gain than OD alone. The application of MW power in conjunction with osmotic pressure results in the removal of moisture from agricultural produce. This process is influenced by the dielectric properties of the material and the concentration difference between the solvent and solute. Using a continuous medium flow in immersion and spray mode, Azarpazhooh and Ramaswamy (2010) preformed MW-assisted OD of apple slices. In addition to enhancing moisture loss, spray mode heating conditions also reduced solute uptake because the MW field was directly and effectively exposed to the sample. Additionally, the spray mode prevents fruit from floating in a large volume of an osmotic solution because the solution is applied to the sample in a thin layer, which can be applied continuously.

Owing to micro-surface cracks in the surface of the food, MW vacuum and OD can be used to preserve food with improved mass transfer and shorter drying period (Zielinska et al., 2018). Furthermore, low processing temperatures prevent heat-labile components from degrading (Zielinska et al., 2015). Researchers have documented enhancements in the quality of various fruits and vegetables, including apples, blueberries, strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, and mushrooms, through the application of combined techniques involving MW vacuum and OD (Figiel and Michalska, 2017). By using OD with MW-vacuum drying, this technique is conducive to high-quality appearance, flavor retention, and absorption of high nutrients (Pandiselvam et al., 2021).

Pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration

Pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration (PVOD) is identified as the most suitable and effective method for treating both animal and plant tissues. It facilitates rapid and controlled transfer of moisture and solute across the cell membrane (Figure 4; Araújo and Pena, 2023; Şahin and Öztürk, 2016). PVOD is a phenomenon primarily caused by hydrodynamic mechanism, in which foreign substances that have occupied capillary pores are expelled under atmospheric pressure of 0.005–0.04 MPa, while an osmotic solution diffuses into the pores caused by deformation and relaxation of the pores (Derossi et al., 2010). Intercellular spaces are controlled by the presence of gases or liquids. By lowering the pressure, the gas or liquid inside capillary pores becomes occluded and escapes from the tissue. In a pressure-restored atmosphere, external solutions enter the pores, resulting in loss of moisture and accumulation of external solute (Araújo and Pena, 2023; Viana et al., 2014).

Figure 4. Schematic diagram of pulsed vacuum osmotic dehydration.

A solution-to-fruit ratio, level of pressure, process temperature, concentration of osmotic media, and time of impregnation are important factors in PVOD. The geometrical shape of the sample, its viscoelastic properties, proximate constituents as well as the osmotic medium and relaxation time of the solid matrix are crucial factors that should be considered. These factors are interrelated with the mechanical characteristics of the matrix and play a significant role in the overall OD process (Corrêa et al., 2015). Although mass transfer improves with an increased number of vacuum pulses, the duration required for impregnation is primarily influenced by the biological properties of the material (Sittiisuanjik et al., 2021). In a study comparing the drying kinetics and quality of figs under PVOD, it proved to be more effective for water removal, shorter drying period, and preserving color, flavor, odor, and texture (Şahin and Öztürk, 2016). In contrast, de Jesus Junqueira et al. (2017) found that application of vacuum reduced betalain and phenolic compounds in carrot and eggplant, thereby causing significant changes in their optical, mechanical, and structural properties. Additionally, vacuum pressure is advantageous in OD because it speeds up the time of processing and allows for reduced energy consumption because of rapid mass transfer (Ghellam et al., 2021). By excluding oxygen from the pores of fruits and vegetables, a great deal of discoloration is prevented (Haque et al., 2020; Ramallo et al., 2013).

Osmodehydro-Freezing (ODF) Technique

Research has shown that OD does not have the water-activity level necessary to produce a microbiologically stable product. Thus, it is imperative to use a complimentary processing technique, such as “air-drying” or “freezing,” when trying to extend the shelf life (Alabi et al., 2022). The process of partially/fractionally drying in a hypertonic solution, and then freezing the solution in a regular manner, is called osmodehydro-freezing (Giannakourou et al., 2020). One of the most striking alternatives to conventional freezing, ODF has many advantages over the conventional process, especially in the case of fruits and vegetables that are adversely affected (Said et al., 2015b). The freezing process, prior to or after dehydration, reduces the moisture available for quality degradation and minimizes unwanted physicochemical changes of food after thawing (Giannakourou et al., 2020a).

Scientists have worked to develop ODF to preserve the quality of fruits and vegetables, as conventional freezing drying causes unwanted textural changes and softening (Sette et al., 2016). Dehydrofrozen products are generally regarded as superior to conventionally frozen products and they are particularly suitable for goods with a high acidity content (Giannakourou et al., 2020a). A key component of refining the quality of the product after freezing and thawing is the choice of an osmotic medium (Said et al., 2015a, 2016).

Frozen vegetable if treated osmotically showed enhanced textural properties, such as reduced drip loss and crumbling (Ahmed et al., 2016). Increase in glass transition temperature during successive frozen storage is attributed to a decrease in moisture content along with solute impregnation (Zhao et al., 2017). The application of OD can lead to reduced energy requirements for ice crystal formation. Additionally, it can contribute to decreased distribution and packaging costs (Lowithun and Charoenrein, 2009). Furthermore, the osmotic solution enhances both flow of water and solutes between food materials and heat transfer during freezing. According to Bchir et al. (2012), solid gain and water loss in dehydrated pomegranate seeds increased 3.5 and 1.4 times as much as in untreated samples. It is evident that it takes less time to dehydrofreeze the same product than it does to conventionally freeze the same product (Alharaty and Ramaswamy, 2023; Gülmez and Topuz, 2022). The results showed reduced freezing period of 20–30%, and even up to 50%, in comparison to the untreated products (Alabi et al., 2022; Giannakourou et al., 2020a; Lovera et al., 2018; Zhao et al., 2014).

Table 3 shows the effect of ODF treatment conditions on the quality parameters of different products. In a study conducted by Reyes-Alvarez and Lanari (2023), OD pretreatment enhanced the freezing rate by 58% and reduced drip loss in osmodehydro-frozen arazá by 40%. However, osmodehydrated samples exhibited the highest discoloration levels (15.7). Freezing and freeze-drying of pretreated OD arazá improved discoloration by 16–48%. While ODF increased total polyphenol bioaccessibility by 22% without affecting total flavonoid bioaccessibility, it led to a 16–42% reduction in antioxidant activity retention. In contrast, ODF drying negatively impacted all properties (13–55%), except for ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), which showed a 10% increase. In another investigation conducted by Dermesonlouoglou et al. (2024), pretreatment of OD effectively removed water, facilitated uptake of solids, and reduced water activity while preserving the key quality attributes of frozen cherry tomatoes. The optimal processing conditions were temperature of osmotic treatment = 36°C, time of osmotic treatment = 72 min, and concentration of glycerol = 61.5% w/w, determined based on achieving water loss (WL ≤ 5), color change (ΔE ≤ 8), and minimizing water activity at the end of pretreatment. Additionally, OD extended the shelf life of frozen cherry tomatoes by up to 3.5 times, as assessed by sensory quality retention.

Table 3. Effect of osmodehydro-freezing (ODF) treatment conditions on the quality parameters of different products.

  Product Osmotic reagant O/P ratio ODF conditions Result References
  Arazá (Eugenia stipitata McVaugh) Sucrose solution (60°Bx) 10:1 Precooled at 4°C for 12 h, then frozen using an air-blast tunnel at –30°C • OD pretreatment increased freezing rate by 58% and reduced drip loss by 40%. Reyes-Alvarez and Lanari, 2023
• Osmodehydrated samples had the highest discoloration (15.7), but freezing/freeze-drying pretreated OD samples improved discoloration by 16–48%
  Tomatoes Solutions of 50–70% (w/w) glycerol, 3.5% NaCl, and 1.5% CaCl2 5:1 Quickly frozen at –40°C • OD-pretreated frozen cherry tomatoes showed reduced aw (0.95–0.92), acceptable color, increased firmness, low drip loss, and high vitamin C/lycopene retention Dermesonlouoglou et al., 2024
• OD may serve as a useful pre-processing step for delicate frozen fruits

Notes: OD: osmotic dehydration; aw: water activity.

High-pressure processing

High-pressure processing (HPP) is a nonthermal food preservation technique that involves subjecting liquid or solid foods, with or without packaging, to elevated pressures within the range of 50–1,000 MPa (Santos et al., 2019; Serment-Moreno et al., 2014). This method utilizes a combination of three key parameters: pressure, temperature, and time to achieve food preservation (Janowicz and Lenart, 2018). It requires no chemical preservatives and has the potential to destroy lethal microorganisms and enzymes at low temperatures, leading to less damage to low molecular compounds, such as flavoring agents, pigments, vitamins, etc. (Leite Júnior et al., 2017; Matser and Vollebregt, 2017). Thus, better quality and sensory properties of food have made HPP a method of great interest (Houška et al., 2022; Munir et al., 2019).

The utilization of HPP alters the cell wall and tissue structure, leading to higher permeability of the cell (Srinivas et al., 2018). Table 4 shows the effect of HPP on osmotic dried products. HPP improved mass transfer kinetics in Granny Smith apples, resulting in greater water loss and solid gain, compared to conventional OD (Dash and Balasubramaniam, 2018). This rapid dehydration, achieved within 15 min, demonstrated the potential of high-pressure technology for enhancing drying efficiency while preserving fruit quality. Sulistyawati et al. (2018) conducted a study that demonstrated that applying HPP before OD resulted in improved color retention in case of mango fruit. Further, Dash et al. (2019) noted that the application of high pressure during osmotic treatment significantly influenced the kinetics of water loss and solid gain in ginger slices. In another research conducted by Dermesonlouoglou et al. (2019), the combination of OD and HPP significantly improved microbial stability, prolonging the shelf life of peaches and apricots. Validated kinetic models indicated that OD/HP-treated peach and apricot spheres could be stored for 320 and 309 days at 4°C whereas fresh fruits typically last only 5–7 days. In comparison, OD-treated samples had a much shorter shelf life of 68–86 days at 4°C, primarily because of microbial growth. A study conducted by Luo et al. (2019) explored HPP as a pre-treatment for OD of wumei fruit, comparing it to traditional heating. Although, HPP did not significantly improve mass transfer, it elevated antioxidant content and enriched aromatic profile by boosting volatile compounds. With increasing pressure levels, there was a noticeable enhancement in the rate of moisture loss and solute uptake during the process of pressure-assisted OD. However, it’s worth noting that using HPP at pressures exceeding 400 MPa can lead to the gelatinization of starch and impede the diffusion process (Balakrishna et al., 2020).

Table 4. Effect of high-pressure processing-assisted osmotic dehydration (HPP-OD) treatment conditions on the quality parameters of different products.

Product Osmotic reagent O/P ratio HPP conditions Result References
Granny Smith apple Fructose and sucrose solution (60°Brix) 4:1 200–600 MPa at 40°C • Increased water loss and solid gain
• Faster water removal within 15 min using high pressure
Dash and Balasubramaniam, 2018
Mango 60°Brix sucrose, 2 g calcium lactate/100 g, and 0 or 0.48 mL PME/100 g 4:1 300 MPa for 3–5 min • Hue (h*) remained stable, while color intensity (C*) was maintained or slightly increased across treatments
• Lightness (L*) decreased significantly in unripe mango but remained stable in ripe mango
• Firmness and shear work slightly increased with PME addition
Sulistyawati et al., 2018
Ginger 60°Brix solution of sucrose, fructose, and glucose 4:1 200–600 MPa at 40°C for hold period of 0.25, 2, 5, 10, and 15 min • Higher pressure levels increased moisture loss and solute uptake
• Glucose and fructose penetrated faster than sucrose in ginger slices
• Glucose reduced water activity more effectively than fructose and sucrose
Dash et al., 2019
Peach and apricot snacks Concentrated solution containing: glycerol (50.0% w/w), erythritol (12.5% w/w), NaCl (3.5% w/w), calcium chloride (1.5% w/w), steviol glucosides (1.25% w/w), and Citrox©(0.2% w/w) 5:1 600 MPa at 25°C for 5 min • Treated peaches and apricots had a shelf life of 320 days and 309 days, respectively, at 4°C, compared to fresh fruits which lasted for only 5–7 days under the same conditions Dermesonlouoglou et al., 2019
Wumei (Prunus mume) Sucrose (40% w/w) 4:1 50 MPa for
1 min
• HPP significantly enhanced mass transfer, compared to heat treatment
• Increased antioxidant content (ascorbic acid, phenols, flavonoids) and antioxidant activity
• Improved aromatic profile with higher total and diverse volatile components
Luo et al., 2019
Tomatoes Medium contained: 10% w/w vinegar (8% acetic acid), 10% w/w maltodextrin (DE 47), 3.5% NaCl, and 1.5% calcium chloride and glycerol 5:1 100–600 MPa for 5 min • Treatment at 600 MPa significantly restored firmness (p < 0.05), with complete PG inactivation while retaining PME activity
• Water activity dropped below 0.90 in 40 min at 600 MPa, compared to 3+ h for untreated samples
• OD duration for HPP-treated samples was reduced by half
Katsimichas et al., 2023
Potatoes Solution of 40% (wt) glycerol, 10% NaCl, and 1% ascorbic acid (AA) or 0.03% papain (P) 5:1 200–600 MPa • HPP treatment enhanced solid gain more than water loss Katsouli et al., 2024

Notes: PME: pectin methylesterase; OD: osmotic dehydration; PG: polygalacturonase.

Pulsed electric field

The PEF technique entails applying high-intensity short-duration electric pulses across the cell membrane, leading to breakage and formation of pores (Liu et al., 2020; Ranjha et al., 2021). Various mechanisms contribute to electrical breakage in PEF technique. These include reaching a critical trans-membrane potential, membrane compression, structural weaknesses in the cell membrane, and the viscoelastic properties of the membrane (Figure 5). When combined with OD, this treatment results in the structural disruption of the cell membrane, a process known as perforation, facilitating rapid mass flow (Jimah et al., 2017).

Figure 5. Pulsed electric field-assisted osmotic dehydration (PFE-OD) setup and mechanism illustrating electroporation-induced membrane permeability, enhancing water loss and solute uptake during osmosis.

Pulsed electric field treatment has demonstrated its potential to enhance food processing outcomes. It leads to increased permeability of plant cells, facilitating mass transfer without altering the product matrix (Parniakov et al., 2016). Table 5 shows the effect of PEF on osmotic dried products. During OD of apple slices, the application of high-intensity electric field pulses as a pretreatment, as shown in the research conducted by Taiwo et al. (2003), had minimal effects on solids gain while improving color brightness, texture firmness, and the preservation of vitamin C content (Taiwo et al., 2012). An optimal condition for PEF pre-treatment, using an electric field intensity of 5 kV/cm with 10 pulses, was identified in a study conducted by Wiktor et al. (2014). A comprehensive study conducted on the influence of PEF treatment on apples (Ciurzynska et al., 2023) and carrots (Alam et al., 2018) showed extensive browning in apple samples, probably resulting from oxidative reactions. In contrast, carrots displayed superior brightness, compared to control samples, possibly because of greater pigment leaching.

Table 5. Effect of pulsed electric field-assisted osmotic dehydration (PFE-OD) treatment conditions on the quality parameters of different products.

Product Osmotic agent O/P ratio PEF conditions Results References
Kiwifruit Hypertonic sucrose or trehalose solution (40%, w/w) 4:1 100 and 200 V/cm, 100 Hz • Higher dehydration takes place with trehalose
• Cell viability was better preserved at
100 V/cm with trehalose than with sucrose
• Kiwifruits retained firmness best at
100 V/cm with trehalose
Tylewicz et al., 2019
Strawberry Hypertonic sucrose or trehalose solution (40% w/w)
1% calcium lactate (CaLac) as a structuring agent
4:1 100 and 200 V/cm, frequency of 100 Hz • The treatment resulted in lower levels of anthocyanins, compared to the untreated sample
• Pulsed electric field (PEF) at 200 V/cm was identified as a promising and energy-efficient, mild processing technique for obtaining berry products with maintained anthocyanin content and higher stability during digestion
Oliveira et al., 2019
Hypertonic sucrose or trehalose solution (40% w/w) 4:1 100 and 200 V/cm, 100 Hz • 100 V/cm electric field + OD increased dehydration, especially with trehalose
• Cell viability was better preserved at
100 V/cm with trehalose than with sucrose
• Strawberries performed better with OD treatment using sucrose for both electric fields
Tylewicz et al., 2019
Sea bass fillets 50% glycerol (w/w) + 5% NaCl 5:1 1.6 kV/cm, 20 Hz • PEF enhanced moisture loss during processing Semenoglou et al., 2020
Mango Agave syrup (79% fructose, 20% glucose, and 1% sucrose) with addition of INU (5%) or INU (5%) + xanthan gum (0.3%) 100:1 kV/cm, 2 Hz • PEF pretreatment led to a slight increase in water loss during osmotic dehydration, in contrast to freeze-thawing
• Addition of xanthan gum to agave syrup solution reduced sugar uptake in frozen-thawed mangoes by increasing solution viscosity
Zongo et al., 2022

This study indicated that PEF pretreatment could lead to improved color characteristics (Zongo et al., 2022). Additionally, Tylewicz et al. (2017) observed that the use of PEF treatment before OD was observed to have a favorable impact on mass transfer, specifically regarding water loss from strawberry tissue. Even when employing the lowest electric field intensity of 100 V cm-1, there was a significant increase in water loss by 12% and 6% after 1 h of OD of strawberry in sucrose and trehalose solution, respectively. In another study, Yu et al. (2018) quoted that PFE pretreatment before OD yielded significantly improved dehydration results for blueberries, compared to both thermal pretreatment at 90°C and the control group. The inactivation of polyphenol oxidase during PEF pretreatment had a noteworthy impact, leading to enhanced retention of various compounds, including anthocyanins, predominantly phenolic acids and flavonols, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity, in the dehydrated blueberries.

Ohmic heating

The synergistic application of ohmic heating and OD under atmospheric pressure accelerates mass transfer rates, particularly as the processing temperature rises (Kutlu, 2022). On the other hand, employing a comparable ohmic heating–osmotic technique under vacuum conditions at 50°C has proven to be a more effective method for dehydrating apples in a sucrose solution (Moreno et al., 2013). The combination of ohmic pretreatment during OD under vacuum is highly efficient in extending the shelf life of apples to more than 4 weeks, as it completely inhibits polyphenol oxidase activity (Moreno et al., 2013). The use of ohmic heating under vacuum also enhances the texture of the treated material by eliminating air from tissue pores and filling them with osmotic substances (Moreno et al., 2012). In another study, Mercali et al. (2012) investigated the influence of ohmic and conventional heating treatments on the vitamin C content of acerola pulp. The results indicated that ohmic heating, particularly at low-voltage gradients, resulted in a decrease in ascorbic acid levels, mirroring the impact observed with conventional heating. On the other hand, the application of higher-voltage gradients accentuated reduction in ascorbic acid, primarily because of electrochemical reactions.

Use of an artificial and edible coating

The undesired uptake of solute in osmotically dehydrated products poses a limitation to the application of OD process. The increased solute content adds resistance to the mass transfer of water, resulting in a lower dehydration rate during complementary drying. To address this issue, the use of an artificial and edible coating for food was explored as a novel approach to impede solute penetration without affecting the rate of water removal (Kowalska et al., 2021). Edible films generally consist of four major types of materials: lipids–waxes–oils, resins, polysaccharides, and proteins (Kasai et al., 2022; Priya et al., 2023). The barrier properties of these coatings depend significantly on their composition and method of fabrication. When choosing an edible coating, the desired properties must include good mechanical strength (gel strength), satisfactory sensory attributes, resistance to microbial contamination and oxidation, easy and rapid film formation using simple techniques, high water diffusivity, and the ability to maintain the coating in an intact state without dissolving into osmotic solution. Additionally, the coating should impart greater aesthetic appeal, especially for products with clear polysaccharide coatings (Priya et al., 2023).

In a separate study, García et al. (2010) examined the influence of chitosan coating on the OD of scale-cut papaya, revealing efficient water removal with minimal solute uptake, regardless of the ripening stage during osmotic process. Meanwhile, Jansrimanee and Lertworasirikul (2020) demonstrated that osmotically dried pumpkin samples coated with 3% sodium alginate (SA) exhibited higher values for water loss, reduced sugar content, and the ratio of water loss to reducing sugars, compared to alternative treatments. Alharaty and Ramaswamy (2020) reported that applying a sodium alginate–calcium chloride edible coating to fresh-cut strawberries significantly extended their refrigerated shelf life. The coated samples maintained mold-free quality for 15 days at 4°C, compared to just 7 days for uncoated controls. The coating effectively reduced respiration and transpiration rates while delaying increase in pH and content of soluble solids. Furthermore, the treatment preserved critical sensory attributes, including color and texture, demonstrating its potential for commercial fresh-cut fruit preservation applications. Additionally, Jalaee et al. (2011) examined the OD of apple rings coated with 92% carboxyl-methyl cellulose, observing a higher water loss-to-solute gain ratio along with improved texture.

Future Scope

A comprehensive examination of the microstructural impact of PEF and HPP treatments during OD on diverse food materials is imperative. While these emerging techniques show potential in enhancing mass transfer rates, their industrial-scale adoption remains a significant challenge, requiring focused efforts on process scale-up and optimization. Despite extensive research on osmotic concentration via membrane processes in the past, these endeavors fall short of rendering these industrially viable, thereby opening avenues for further research and development in this domain. The re-concentration of spent solution presently relies on conventional methods such as evaporation or solute addition. However, the adoption of membrane processes, such as reverse osmosis, membrane filtration, and ultrafiltration, holds considerable potential for exploration. Membrane-assisted OD addresses challenges associated with high solute concentration and microbial issues while sidestepping phase changes observed in evaporation. The integration of automatic control and online measurement, particularly when dealing with delicate materials, is crucial in designing effective equipment.

There exists ample room for exploration concerning the application of OD in diverse food products, including eggs and dairy items, as well as in non-food contexts. Globally, researchers are actively seeking modes to produce functional foods, necessitating the development of new technologies and equipment for manufacturing osmo-concentrated functional foods. In the processing of these functional foods, meticulous research is imperative to understand process parameters for the extraction or preservation of bioactive compounds. Given the scientific and industrial potential of OD, future researchers are anticipated to address these aspects. The objective of this article was poised to contribute to the identification of applications for OD across various sectors of the food and related industries in the forthcoming years.

Conclusions

The increasing awareness of consumer preferences for fresh food and the demand for sustainable food preservation methods have given rise to the practice of OD. In this process, moisture is partially removed across the cell membrane by applying high osmotic pressure using a hypertonic solution. Solute uptake and leaching of soluble solids during OD induce changes in product characteristics, leading to improvements in nutritional, functional, and organoleptic attributes. Osmotic dehydration offers several advantages, including the preservation of food properties, reduced thermal and oxidative damage, and lower energy costs.

The proportion of water removal and solid gain during OD is influenced by various factors, such as the variety, maturity level, and geometry of the food, as well as the use of pretreatments, temperature, concentration, and types of osmotic agents. To address the historically slow mass transfer proportion, various pretreatments, such as ohmic heating, PEF, MW, HPP, gamma irradiation, etc., are employed. Despite the promising features of OD, its industrial application is currently limited. Efforts are necessary to enhance the feasibility of this technology in the near future by addressing challenges related to solution management through the integration of newer technologies, particularly those involving membrane processes.

Data Availability Statement

All data used are presented in the manuscript.

Author Contributions

Kulwinder Kaur contributed equally to the conceptualization, original draft writing, and review and editing of the manuscript. Baldev Singh Kalsi was equally involved in data curation, original draft preparation, and manuscript review and editing. Ruchika Zalpouri played an equal role in project administration, drafting the original manuscript, and its subsequent review and editing. Pratik Pandit Potdar contributed equally to the formal analysis, original draft writing, and manuscript revision. Sajeev Rattan Sharma provided resources and supported the review and editing process. Mohammed Shafiq Alam supported the supervision of the project and contributed to the review and editing. Ravi Pandiselvam was equally involved in the review and editing of the manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

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