Enhancing the water extraction of shikimic acid using natural deep eutectic solvents

What if the secret to a greener, faster extraction of a key pharmaceutical ingredient was hiding in a simple mix of natural compounds?

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are emerging as eco-friendly sidekicks in the world of extraction. In a recent study, scientists used a 10% water solution of choline chloride and propylene glycol to pull shikimic acid from star anise fruits. This green blend worked better than plain water, requiring lower temperatures and shorter times to get the job done.

But here's the twist: even when heavily diluted, the NADES components kept their molecular teamwork. Advanced NMR analysis showed they still interacted with shikimic acid, boosting extraction without losing their supramolecular structure. This means NADES acts as a smart co-solvent, not just a simple additive.

The process remained sustainable, with water as the main ingredient. After extraction, purification steps using formaldehyde precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography delivered shikimic acid with an impressive 99.5% purity and a 4% yield. This approach could pave the way for tailor-made, greener extraction methods in the pharmaceutical industry.

Key Points

• 10% NADES water solution boosts shikimic acid extraction.
• NADES retains structure and interacts at high dilution.
• 99.5% purity achieved with sustainable green process.