Green extraction processes, biorefineries and sustainability: Recovery of high added-value products from natural sources

Abstract

The role of compressed fluids-based extraction techniques for the sustainable recovery of valuable products from natural sources is described and discussed. Important aspects for green process design including the use of new solvents with novel interesting properties, the development of integrated and intensified multi-unit operation processes as well as scale-up and techno-economic and environmental assessment are emphasized. Within this important research field, some key aspects are identified for the future development of more efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable processes for bioactives recovery from natural sources. The use of biorefinery platforms based on the use of supercritical and/or pressurized fluids should have a critical importance in the near future.

Green extraction of oil from Carum carvi seeds using bio‐based solvent and supercritical fluid: Evaluation of its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities

“…Regarding the green extraction of natural products, six specific principles have been proposed including: (i) innovation by selection of varieties and use of renewable plant resources, (ii) use of green solvents and principally water or agro‐solvents, (iii) reduction of energy consumption by energy recovery and using innovative technologies, (iv) production of co‐products instead of waste to include the bio‐ and agro‐refining industry, (v) reduce unit operations and favour safe, robust and controlled processes, and (vi) aim for a non‐denatured and biodegradable extract without contaminants . Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is an attractive clean alternative to organic solvents and an environmentally friendly technology for food and pharmaceutical product extraction using green solvents . Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) is the most commonly used supercritical fluid due to lack of toxicity and flammability and low cost .…”

Supercritical Fluid Chromatography as a Technique to Fractionate High-Valued Compounds from Lipids

“…Some of the compounds that will be reviewed in this paper have an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) >>10%, for example 14.9% for the omega-3 market and 25.8% for nuts and seeds, during the period 2016-2022 [2] and 19.1% during the period 2015-2020 for the phospholipid market [3]. Local and international markets are progressively looking towards natural and organic products versus synthetic [4]. Laws and policies that promote healthy food and limit access to unhealthy food are critical drivers to see increase in consumption of these kind of products.…”

Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Distillates Purified by Means of Molecular Distillation from Ginger Extract Obtained with Supercritical CO2 Fluid

“…The steam distillation, solvent extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction and other modern extraction techniques are still the most common methods for the production of ginger extract. However, these extract methods are associated with some drawbacks such as residual organic solvents, high equipment cost and high operating temperature which results in the degradative changes of the major compounds . The supercritical CO 2 fluid extraction has been studied extensively as an alternative to conventional methods of natural plant extraction.…”

“…However, these extract methods are associated with some drawbacks such as residual organic solvents, high equipment cost and high operating temperature which results in the degradative changes of the major compounds. [9][10][11][12][13] The supercritical CO 2 fluid extraction has been studied extensively as an alternative to conventional methods of natural plant extraction. Various researchers have produced high-yield ginger extract which contains a maximum amount of volatile oil and oleoresin by supercritical CO 2 fluid extraction.…”