Mechanistic kinetic modeling and green extraction technology for the valorization of plant bioactive compounds

Imagine extracting nature's most valuable compounds without wasting a drop of solvent or a watt of energy. That's the promise of green extraction—and it's closer than you think.

The race is on to replace conventional extraction methods that guzzle solvents, demand high energy, take forever, and destroy heat-sensitive compounds. Enter green extraction technologies—sustainable alternatives that align with green chemistry principles and make bioactive recovery both efficient and eco-friendly.

This review dives into the latest breakthroughs, from microwave- and ultrasound-assisted methods to pressurized liquid and supercritical fluid systems, plus novel tricks like cloud point extraction. But it's not just about the tools—it's about understanding the science behind them. Kinetic modeling takes center stage, unraveling mass-transfer phenomena to optimize processes and scale them up for industry.

The applications are vast: functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and biomass valorization in a circular bioeconomy. Yet, challenges remain—scalability, solvent recovery, regulatory acceptance, and economic feasibility. The paper maps these hurdles and charts future paths to bring green extraction from lab to factory floor.

Key Points

• Green extraction cuts solvent use, energy, and processing time.
• Kinetic modeling optimizes mass transfer and scale-up.
• Applications span food, cosmetics, and circular bioeconomy.