High-voltage pulse-assisted extraction of flavonoids from kapok using deep eutectic solvent aqueous solutions

Area of Science:

• Green Chemistry
• Natural Product Extraction
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) extraction often involves harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes.
• Deep eutectic solvents (DES) offer an environmentally friendly alternative for natural product extraction.
• Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology can enhance extraction efficiency and reduce processing time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the novel application of PEF-DES for extracting Kapok flavonoids (TG-KF) from TCM plants.
• To optimize the extraction conditions for maximizing TG-KF yield.
• To evaluate the stability, safety, and antioxidant properties of the extracted TG-KF.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of TG-KF using DES-TG solvent combined with PEF.
• Optimization of parameters including DES concentration, solid-liquid ratio, electric field intensity, and number of pulses.
• Stability assessment (6 months), safety evaluation (chicken embryo and human patch tests), and antioxidant activity determination (DPPH assay).

Main Results:

• Optimal extraction conditions yielded 14.36 ± 0.35% flavonoids.
• TG-KF demonstrated excellent stability, with no precipitation or discoloration over 6 months.
• TG-KF exhibited no irritation in safety tests and potent antioxidant efficacy in DPPH assays.

Conclusions:

• PEF-DES is a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly technology for industrial-scale extraction of TG-KF.
• TG-KF is a stable, safe, and potent antioxidant with significant potential as a raw material.
• This study highlights the promise of PEF-DES in sustainable natural product extraction.