Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES): translating cell biology to processing

Abstract

This review examines the possible functional roles of liquid natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) in plants. Their cellular localization with biomolecular cell metabolites, a high chemical compound solubilizing capacity and a catalytic enzymatic activity indicate that they might form compartments, in which molecules with low water solubility are stored and/or converted. These environmental traits also make them an ideal reaction medium for interactions between molecules with opposite dissolution equilibria. By retaining water, stabilizing molecular structures, and yielding kinetics-determined product selectivity, they may prevent the degradation of active bonds, as in enzymes, under the conditions of high or low energy heat, drought and growth-inhibiting biomass production. Finally, the potential of NaDES has also been explored in a laboratory setting. Their ability to stabilize, catalyze and the overall substance toxicity makes NaDES an excellent candidate for (green) extraction, biocatalysis and cryopreservation, considering poorly soluble/thermally unstable intermediates.