Deep eutectic solvents: The new generation sustainable and safe extraction systems for bioactive compounds in agri food sector: An update

Abstract

Extraction of functional and bioactive compounds with high volumes, quality, and bioactivity to improve their delivery particularly in food applications has always been a priority in food chemistry. The continuous search for newer, more sophisticated extraction mediums with improved sustainability, extractability, stability, bioactivity, and safety has resulted in the development of deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on the eutectic behavior of various salts. DESs are the mixtures of hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) with complexing agents having safe biological backgrounds and a promising approach for current innovations in green extraction technologies. Research efforts focused on their utilization as economic extraction mediums with relatively higher environmental and health safety have been growing fast. Significant publication count on DES for various food and pharmaceutical applications to overcome the limitations of conventional solvents has been reported in the last decade. Although, limited work has been carried out on the extraction of bioactive compounds from various biological sources yet the persuasive recognition of these extraction systems has fascinated the consideration of the research community for their investigation. This review focuses primarily on addressing the distinctive qualities of DES especially as extraction medium along with the conventional and neoteric extraction techniques for a wide range of bioactive compounds. The review summarizes the-state-of-the-art application of DESs in the extraction of bioactive compounds their classification, preparation, activity, safety concerns, recent trends, and future perspectives for their potential utilization in the food industry. Novelty impact statement DES is new generation solvents and based on the material from which they are derived they can be the safest, cheapest, and most effective extraction systems. Extraction efficiency and recycling of both the bioactive compounds and the solvent are significantly improved by using DES. Overall, the extractability, safety, cytotoxicity and ecotoxicity of the novel DESs need extensive research trials and clinical documentation.