Advances in Eco-Friendly Extraction of Fruit Bioactive Compounds: Technologies, Challenges and Future Directions

Fruit bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins and fibres provide important antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and disease-preventive benefits, but their extraction remains difficult due to poor solubility and the limitations of conventional methods that use toxic solvents, require high energy and often result in low yields. This review systematically examines both traditional and advanced extraction technologies, including membrane filtration, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), pressurized liquid extraction, chromatographic techniques, micro- and nano-separation and enzyme-assisted processes, drawing on peer-reviewed English literature from databases like Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed and Google Scholar using terms related to eco-friendly extraction, fruit bioactive compounds and technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), SFE and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), supplemented by screening reference lists. Peer-reviewed studies on green extraction methods, solvents, optimization strategies and sustainability were included, whereas non-fruit matrices, insufficiently detailed studies and non-peer-reviewed sources were excluded. Publications from January 2017 to October 2025 were retrieved and considered, with key earlier studies added as needed. The search retrieved about 1203 records; after duplicate removal and independent screening by two reviewers, 456 eligible studies were retained for analysis. Emphasis is placed on eco-friendly methods that maintain compound integrity and enable industrial scalability, alongside discussions of green chemistry, fruit by-product valorization and circular economy strategies. Technologies are assessed for efficiency, selectivity, environmental impact and cost-effectiveness, with applications spanning functional foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and packaging. Despite challenges such as compound stability, regulatory barriers and the need for specialized expertise, emerging hybrid systems and AI-driven process modelling show promise in optimizing extraction and reducing costs. Future research should focus on developing multifunctional green solvents, real-time monitoring tools and closed-loop systems to minimize waste and energy use, ultimately advancing sustainable bioactive extraction and contributing to healthier, more environmentally conscious industries.