Optimization of Green Extraction of Antioxidant Compounds from Blackthorn Pomace (Prunus spinosa L.) Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES)

A wild, overlooked berry might hold the key to greener antioxidant extraction. Scientists just found a way to turn its waste into a treasure trove of polyphenols.

Blackthorn, a wild plant often ignored by science, is packed with bioactive polyphenols that show serious antioxidant potential. But getting those compounds out usually involves harsh solvents. Now, researchers have turned to natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES)—green, biodegradable alternatives—to do the job more sustainably.

The team used ultrasound-assisted extraction, a technique that uses sound waves to break down plant material, combined with NADES. They tested ten different NADES mixtures, narrowing down to two promising candidates. After a screening process that varied time, temperature, and solvent ratios, they found the winning formula: a NADES made of proline and lactic acid (1:2) with 20% water.

Under optimal conditions—90 minutes of extraction at 65°C with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 22.65 mL/g—they achieved the highest polyphenol yield and improved antioxidant activity. They also tested blackthorn juice, comparing its extraction efficiency under the same conditions to see if the method could be applied beyond pomace.

This isn't just about blackthorn. It's a step toward cleaner, more efficient extraction methods for the food and pharmaceutical industries—turning waste into value, without harming the planet.

Key Points

• NADES + ultrasound optimizes polyphenol extraction from blackthorn pomace.
• Best solvent: proline-lactic acid (1:2) with 20% water.
• Optimal conditions: 90 min, 65°C, 22.65 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio.