Extraction of Macranthoidin B and Dipsacoside B from Lonicera macranthoides Utilizing Ultrasound-Assisted Deep Eutectic Solvent: Optimization of Conditions and Extraction Mechanism

Abstract

This study introduces an environmentally benign and proficient method of ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction (DES-UAE) for isolating macranthoidin B (MB) and dipsacoside B (DB) from Lonicera macranthoides. We evaluated 20 distinct DES formulations, identifying ChCl: EG (1:2 molar ratio with 40% water content) as the optimal solvent. The extraction parameters were meticulously optimized through single-factor experiments and a Box-Behnken design, culminating in the determination of the following optimal conditions: an extraction temperature of 51 °C, an extraction duration of 43 min, a liquid–solid ratio of 22 mL/g, and an ultrasonic power of 280 W. Under these conditions, the yield of MB and DB was quantified at 101.82 ± 3.7 mg/g. When compared to traditional extraction methods, the DES-UAE method exhibited a 1.2- to 4-fold increase in extraction efficiency. The recovery rates of MB and DB, achieved using macroporous resins, were recorded at 62.04 ± 2.7 mg/g, with the DES demonstrating reusability for a minimum of three cycles. The extraction kinetics, modeled according to Fick’s second law, revealed an activation energy of 5242.95 J/mol. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to elucidate the intermolecular interactions between the DES and MB molecules. This investigation confirms that DES-UAE is a viable and sustainable technique for the effective extraction of bioactive compounds from L. macranthoides.