Evaluation of mass transfer mechanisms during osmotic treatment of plant materials.

The proportion of intact, damaged, and ruptured (non-intact) cells (Zp) due to osmotic stress during
osmotic treatment of potato was monitored using electrophysical measurement based on electrical impedance
analysis. Osmotic stress on potato cell culture made cell membranes shrink thereby damaging the cells. The proportion
of the ruptured and shrunk cells within the samples increased with the increase in concentration of solute in the
osmotic solution. The osmotic removal of water from thin potato slices started at a critical osmotic pressure. Once
the critical osmotic pressure was exceeded, mass transfer was rapid and the cells lost substantial amounts of water
due to rupture of cell membranes.