Unlocking sustainable extraction of natural antioxidants: Green solvents, smart technologies, scalability and future directions

The sustainable extraction of natural antioxidants from plants has gained significant attention as a viable alternative to synthetic options in the food industry. However, traditional extraction processes often rely on hazardous solvents, raising concerns about toxicity and environmental impact. This review highlights the transformative potential of green solvents and innovative extraction technologies in advancing sustainable practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. Key findings include the effectiveness of intensification techniques, such as ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted extractions, in enhancing efficiency and reducing resource use. The review also explores solutions to critical challenges like solvent recovery and recycling, with promising approaches such as biphasic systems and in situ extraction methods demonstrating industrial feasibility. Notably, this work bridges the gap between laboratory-scale research and large-scale production by emphasizing strategies to improve process scalability. By synthesizing current trends and identifying future research directions, this review offers unique insights into sustainable and commercially viable methods for natural antioxidant extraction, positioning green technologies as essential tools for a more sustainable food industry.