Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent as Extraction Media for the Main Phenolic Compounds from Olive Oil Processing Wastes

Area of Science:

• Green Chemistry
• Sustainable Chemical Processes
• Agri-food Waste Valorization

Background:

• Agri-food industry generates substantial waste, posing economic and environmental challenges.
• Food waste valorization using eco-friendly methods is crucial for sustainable development.
• Phenolic compounds from waste streams hold significant bioactive potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) for extracting bioactive phenolic compounds.
• To evaluate microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) using NADESs as a sustainable process.
• To compare NADESs extraction efficiency with water for olive oil processing wastes.

Main Methods:

• Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) utilizing various Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs).
• Characterization of extracted phenolic compounds using Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF/MS).
• Quantification of phenolic compounds via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Main Results:

• NADESs demonstrated effective extraction of valuable bioactive phenolic compounds.
• The MAE process using NADESs proved to be non-toxic, simple, and selective.
• Extraction efficiency using NADESs was comparable or superior to water under similar conditions.

Conclusions:

• Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents offer a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative for extracting phenolic compounds from food waste.
• The developed MAE method using NADESs aligns with green chemistry principles for agri-food waste valorization.
• This approach contributes to reducing waste and recovering valuable compounds from olive oil processing byproducts.