Research Trends in Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Bioactive Compounds: A 30-Year Bibliometric Study from 1995 to 2025

For 30 years, scientists have been perfecting a way to pull valuable compounds from nature using a fluid that's not quite liquid and not quite gas—and the world is finally taking notice.

Supercritical fluids—substances heated and pressurized past their critical point—offer a green alternative to traditional solvent-based extraction. A new bibliometric study, analyzing 2,159 publications from 1995 to 2025, maps the rise of this technology for obtaining bioactive compounds.

The data reveals a surge in research, especially in the last decade, driven by demand for eco-friendly methods and natural ingredients. Brazil leads the pack, with China and Spain close behind, and international collaborations are common among top producers.

Keyword analysis shows antioxidant activity and polyphenols dominate the field. Thematic evolution indicates a shift from basic characterization to process optimization and application, including using agro-industrial by-products as new sources.

This 30-year overview highlights a maturing field, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals and pointing toward a future where green extraction is the norm.

Key Points

• 2,159 publications analyzed over 30 years
• Brazil, China, Spain lead research output
• Focus shifts to optimization and by-product valorization