Advancements in Drying Techniques for Food, Fiber, and Fuel

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Removal of moisture from biological materials, popularly called drying, has numerous benefits, including ease of handling due to reduction in bulk, resulting in reduced handling costs. Moreover, drying prevents microbial growth and spoilage. Though different drying techniques share a common objective, conceptually they are different and require modification/adaptation based on the biomaterial that is dried. There have been significant scientific advancements in the past century in the field of drying of foods, fibers, and fuel. This article will provide an extensive review of various drying pretreatments and different hybrid drying techniques, including supercritical and fluidized bed concepts, microwave drying, superheated steam drying, and heat pump drying to meet tomorrow's food and energy needs.