Efficient extraction of Eucommia ulmoides gum by a deep eutectic solvent-organic solvent biphasic recyclable system

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Green Chemistry
• Natural Product Extraction

Background:

• Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) is a valuable natural polymer with diverse applications.
• Traditional extraction methods often involve harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes.
• Developing efficient and sustainable extraction techniques for EUG is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biphasic solvent system for the direct extraction of high-purity EUG.
• To investigate the impact of the extraction process on EUG's structural and mechanical properties.
• To assess the recyclability of the solvents used in the extraction process.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of EUG using a biphasic solvent system of deep eutectic solvent (DES) and petroleum ether.
• Characterization of EUG's chemical structure using FTIR and NMR.
• Analysis of EUG's crystalline structure and thermal properties using XRD and DSC.
• Evaluation of the mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break) of the extracted EUG.
• Assessment of the recovery rates for DES and petroleum ether.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high EUG extraction rate of 22.986% and purity of 98.01%.
• Confirmed the chemical structure of EUG and observed partial destruction of its crystal structure during extraction.
• Extracted EUG demonstrated high tensile strength (10.360 MPa) and excellent elongation at break (78.663%).
• High recovery rates for DES (94.04%) and petroleum ether (82.60%) were achieved, indicating solvent recyclability.

Conclusions:

• The biphasic solvent system effectively deconstructs lignocellulose, facilitating efficient EUG extraction.
• The developed method yields high-purity EUG with superior mechanical properties compared to traditionally extracted EUG.
• This green extraction approach offers a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional pretreatment methods for EUG isolation.