Factors Affecting the Extraction of (Poly)Phenols from Natural Resources Using Deep Eutectic Solvents Combined with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Abstract

Replacing conventional solvents with deep eutectic solvents (DES) has shown promising effects on the extraction yield of (poly)phenols. DES can be combined with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) to further increase the extraction efficiency of (poly)phenols from natural resources compared to conventional methods. This review discusses the factors associated with DES (composition, solvent-to-sample ratio, extraction duration, and temperature) and UAE (ultrasound frequency, power, intensity, and duty cycle) methods that influence the extraction of (poly)phenols and informs future improvements required in the optimization of the extraction process. For the optimum (poly)phenol extraction from natural resources, the following parameters shall be considered: ultrasound frequency should be in the range of 20–50 kHz, ultrasound intensity in the range of 60–120 W/cm2, ultrasound duty cycle in the range of 40–80%, ultrasound duration for 10–30 minutes, and ultrasound temperature for 25–50 °C. Among the reported DES systems, choline chloride with glycerol or lactic acid, with a solvent-to-sample mass ratio of 10–30:1 shown to be effective. The solvent composition and solvent-to-sample mass ratio should be selected according to the target compound and the source material. However, the high viscosity of DES is among the major limitations. Optimizing these factors can help to increase the yield of extracted (poly)phenols and their applications.