Sustainable Extraction of Bioactive Compounds From Plant Materials

Plant-derived bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes, exhibit diverse biological properties, making them valuable for food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. The extraction process significantly impacts the yield, quality, and environmental footprint of these compounds. While traditional methods have several limitations, emerging green technologies offer efficient, sustainable alternatives. Techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction, maximize bioactive compound recovery while minimizing solvent usage, energy consumption, and thermal degradation. Advances in green solvents, including ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents, further enhance extraction efficiency and environmental compatibility. Despite challenges like high equipment costs and process optimization, green extraction methods hold immense promise for sustainable bioactive compound extraction.