Title : Emerging extraction techniques for isolation of bioactive/phytochemical compounds
Abstract:
The bioactive/phytochemical compounds such as polyphenols, saponins, phytosterol, dietary fibres, polysaccharide, alkaloids, isoprenoids, tannins, and carotenoids are widely used in the food processing, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The various types of traditional and novel methods can be utilizing to extract these valuable compounds for further applications. Traditional extraction methods such as Soxhlet extraction and hydro distillation face significant limitations, such as long extraction times, high solvent and energy consumption, and the potential for thermal degradation of sensitive compounds. Furthermore, the use of toxic organic solvents in conventional processes presents health and environmental challenges, necessitating a shift toward "green" and sustainable extraction alternatives.
Novel "green" extraction techniques have emerged as a solution to increase yields while maintaining the quality and bioactivity of the extracts. Technologies such as Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE), Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), and High-Pressure Extraction (HPE) offer rapid heating, reduced solvent usage, and lower thermal damage compared to traditional methods. Advanced pressurized systems, including Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Subcritical Water Extraction (SWE), allow for highly selective extraction using non-toxic solvents like carbon dioxide or water, resulting in solvent-free and biodegradable products. A significant frontier in this field is the development of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES), which are composed of non-toxic, primary plant metabolites like sugars and organic acids. These solvents exhibit high solubilization capacity for various bioactive compounds and are particularly valuable for creating stable, high-purity extracts through a circular economy approach.
