Enzyme-assisted supercritical fluid extraction: An integral approach to extract bioactive compounds

Abstract

BackgroundUnprecedented demand for biologically active molecules necessitates efficient processes for extracting biologically active compounds from plant sources. Though enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) have been reported for their potential application to extract several industrially valuable bioactives, certain shortcomings do persist. Therefore, an integral approach comprising EAE and SFE could be efficiently exercised for the extraction of several bioactive components. Scope and approachThis review includes current progress concerning the combined approach of EAE/SFE while converging the recent advancements in the field that outperformed conventional extraction processes. It also highlights several experimental conditions affecting the EAE and SFE process individually and together to gain an insight in assessing the overall efficiency of the combined approach. An integrated approach for the efficient extraction of the polyphenols, essential oils, pigments, and vitamins has been comprehensively reviewed along with the challenges, potential opportunities and possibilities associated. Key findings and conclusionsEnzyme-assisted supercritical fluid extraction (EASE) has demonstrated its effectiveness in extracting valuable bioactive compounds with excellent quality while not adversely altering the target biomolecule's structure and function. However, the choice of enzymes, type of supercritical fluid, and other major related operational parameters influence overall efficiency. Further investigation in EASE would help understand the underlying mechanism of the synergistic effect and enhance the efficiency too.