Advances in Eco-Friendly Extraction of Fruit Bioactive Compounds: Technologies, Challenges and Future Directions

Hidden inside fruit peels and pulp are tiny defenders against disease—but getting them out has always been a messy, toxic struggle. Now, green chemistry is rewriting the extraction playbook.

Fruit bioactives—polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, and fibers—are nature's shields, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and disease-preventive powers. But extracting them has long relied on toxic solvents, high energy, and low yields. This review, covering 456 studies from 2017 to 2025, maps the shift toward greener, smarter methods.

Technologies like supercritical fluid extraction, membrane filtration, and enzyme-assisted processes are stepping in, joined by ultrasound and microwave assistance. These methods aim to preserve compound integrity while scaling up for industry. The review also highlights fruit by-product valorization and circular economy strategies, turning waste into wealth.

Yet challenges remain: compound stability, regulatory hurdles, and the need for specialized expertise. The path forward? Hybrid systems and AI-driven process modeling promise to cut costs and optimize extraction. Future research should focus on multifunctional green solvents, real-time monitoring, and closed-loop systems to minimize waste and energy use.

The ultimate goal is clear: sustainable extraction that feeds healthier industries—from functional foods to cosmetics—without sacrificing the planet.

Key Points

• 456 studies reviewed from 2017 to 2025.
• Green methods replace toxic solvents, cut energy.
• AI and hybrid systems optimize future extraction.