Green solvent extraction and eco-friendly novel techniques of bioactive compounds from plant waste: Applications, future perspective and circular economy

What if the secret to better health and a cleaner planet is hiding in your kitchen scraps? Scientists are turning plant waste into goldmine of bioactive compounds—using nothing but green chemistry.

Agro-food waste is no longer just a problem to dispose of—it's a treasure trove. Peels, leaves, and seeds are packed with bioactive compounds like polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes. But extracting them without harming the environment? That's the new frontier.

This review dives into cutting-edge, eco-friendly extraction methods. Think ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. These techniques not only boost yields but also cut down on solvent use and protect heat-sensitive molecules that would otherwise degrade.

The real stars, however, are green solvents. Ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and supercritical CO₂ are stepping in as low-toxicity alternatives to petroleum-based solvents. They're promising, yet not without hurdles—viscosity, mass transfer limits, and selectivity issues still need solving.

From pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals and food products, these bioactives have far-reaching applications. By aligning economic, environmental, and health goals, green extraction is paving the way for a truly circular economy—turning waste into wealth, sustainably.

Key Points

• Green solvents like DES and CO₂ replace petroleum-based ones.
• UAE, MAE, and SCF boost yield and preserve heat-sensitive compounds.
• Plant waste bioactives fuel pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food applications.