Green extraction of bioactive compounds from Nectandra megapotamica leaves: quantification of (−)-epicatechin and sustainability assessment

What if the secret to fresher tomatoes lies not in plastic, but in the leaves of Amazonian trees? A new study harnesses natural deep eutectic solvents to unlock bioactive power from Nectandra megapotamica leaves.

Plastic packaging is out, and nature's own chemistry is stepping in. Researchers are turning to natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES)—eco-friendly liquids made from cheap, biodegradable ingredients—to extract valuable compounds from plants. In this study, they focused on Nectandra megapotamica leaves, aiming to quantify (−)-epicatechin, a potent antioxidant, while assessing the sustainability of the process.

Three NADES were crafted using choline chloride paired with citric acid (CC-CA), glucose (CC-G), or urea (CC-U). Each had its own personality: CC-U was the lightest, CC-G the thickest, and CC-CA the most polar. But CC-CA stole the spotlight—it extracted compounds with remarkable efficiency, showing antioxidant activity that inhibited over 95% of DPPH radicals and antimicrobial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The real-world test came with cherry tomatoes. Coatings made from babassu mesocarp and enriched with CC-CA extracts didn't just sit there—they actively reduced weight loss, kept tomatoes firm, and maintained microbial quality for up to 9 days. Even a sensory panel loved them, with over 80% acceptance on bruschetta. This isn't just packaging; it's a step toward the 2030 Agenda, turning waste into protection.

Key Points

• CC-CA extract showed >95% DPPH inhibition and antimicrobial activity.
• Coatings preserved tomatoes for 9 days, with >80% sensory acceptance.
• NADES from choline chloride offer green extraction for bioactive compounds.