New perspective in extraction of plant biologically active compounds by green solvents

Abstract

In many industrial processes, large quantities of volatile and flammable organic solvents are used in various reaction systems and separation steps define a major part of the environmental and economic performance of a process. Accordingly, a growing area of research in the development of green technologies is devoted to designing new, environmentally-friendly, and tunable solvents the use of which would meet both technological and economical demands. A brief overview of the up to date knowledge regarding most proposed green solvents, including supercritical and subcritical fluids (e.g. CO2 and water) and natural deep eutectic solvents is presented herein, with a special emphasis on green extraction of plant biologically active compounds.