New perspective in extraction of plant biologically active compounds by green solvents

Abstract

© 2018 Institution of Chemical Engineers In many industrial processes, large quantities of volatile and flammable organic solvents are used in various reaction systems and separation steps define a major part of the environmental and economic performance of a process. Accordingly, a growing area of research in the development of green technologies is devoted to designing new, environmentally-friendly, and tunable solvents the use of which would meet both technological and economical demands. A brief overview of the up to date knowledge regarding most proposed green solvents, including supercritical and subcritical fluids (e.g. CO 2 and water) and natural deep eutectic solvents is presented herein, with a special emphasis on green extraction of plant biologically active compounds.