Emerging Trends in Green Extraction Techniques for Bioactive Natural Products

Traditional extraction methods are taking a heavy toll on our planet, but a wave of eco-friendly alternatives is ready to change the game. Can we harness nature sustainably to capture its most potent compounds?

The pursuit of bioactive natural products is shifting dramatically. As the environmental footprint of conventional extraction becomes harder to ignore, science is pivoting toward sustainable technologies. This review examines a suite of eco-friendly methods designed to bridge critical knowledge gaps, highlighting innovative techniques like supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and enzyme-assisted extraction.

At the forefront of this green revolution are deep eutectic solvents and bio-based solvents, which show remarkable potential and rapid advancements. Researchers are also discovering powerful synergy by combining methods—such as pairing ultrasound with microwave extraction, or executing sequential supercritical fluid and pressurized liquid extraction.

Yet, the journey from lab bench to industry is far from complete. The review sounds a note of caution, emphasizing that hurdles like standardization, selectivity, scalability, and economic viability must still be tackled head-on before these green technologies reach their ultimate potential.

Key Points

• Evaluating green technologies like supercritical fluid and ultrasound extraction
• Highlighting the remarkable potential of deep eutectic and bio-based solvents
• Addressing critical challenges including scalability, standardization, and economic viability