Hyperspectral imaging systems for rapid assessment of moisture and chromaticity of foods undergoing drying: Principles, applications, challenges, and future trends

• Published in: Computers and electronics in agriculture 2024-09, Vol.224, p.109101, Article 109101
• Main Authors: Shekarau Luka, Bobby, Mohammed Yunusa, Bello, Msurshima Vihikwagh, Queen, Fanan Kuhwa, Kendra, Hannah Oluwasegun, Toluwaleyi, Ogalagu, Rufina, Kenneth Yuguda, Taitiya, Adnouni, Meriem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calibration modelling; Data pre-processing; Data reduction; Drying; Foods; Hyperspectral imaging system
• ISSN: 0168-1699; 1872-7107
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2024.109101

•Spectral data pre-processing techniques, variable selection methods, and calibration modelling have been analyzed and discussed.•State-of-the-art applications of hyperspectral imaging technologies during drying of foods have been highlighted.•Challenges and future prospects of hyperspectral imaging technologies in food dryers have been provided in detail.•Future integration requires automated, universal systems, smaller HSI cameras, and faster algorithms for enhanced efficiency.•Combining HSI with NIR can improve spectral data quality for better moisture and chromaticity analysis during drying. Advanced technologies in the area of food drying technologies are increasingly emerging, with novel technologies continuously applied to gain a better understanding of the moisture transport mechanism and colour kinetics of foods during drying. Among the emerging technologies is the hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems, which has presented promising potential in non-destructive and rapid monitoring of food qualities and moisture concentration in the last decade. This review highlighted the principles of HSI technologies and the current state-of-the-art applications of spectral data pre-processing techniques and variable selection methods on spectral information acquired using HSI technologies during drying of foods. It outlined their advantages and drawbacks/ challenges and highlighted possible correction approaches. It examined the accuracy, applicability, and challenges of HSI technologies to develop suitable calibration models for monitoring moisture concentration and chromaticity of foods during drying. Finally, this review provides insight into the future direction for the applications of HSI technologies in food dryers to harness their full potential at an industrial scale.