Sustainable Valorization of Peanut Byproducts: An Optimized Green Strategy for High-Yield Resveratrol Extraction

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) roots represent a significant agroindustrial byproduct often discarded, despite being a potent source of resveratrol. This study proposes a sustainable strategy for the valorization of this biomass, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). A "greener" extraction method was developed by combining Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) with biobased Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES). Unlike conventional petrochemical solvents, the selected NADES (lactic acid and glycerol, 1:2) is derived from renewable sources and prepared through a 100% atom-efficient process. Optimization via Central Composite Design (CCD) yielded 563 ± 21 μg·g^-1 of resveratrol (40 min, 60 °C), representing a 31.8-fold increase over conventional ethanolic maceration. The optimization process was critically assessed to strike a balance between extraction efficiency and environmental sustainability, ensuring high yields without excessive energy consumption. Greenness was quantified using AGREE and GAPI metrics, which demonstrated that the proposed method significantly reduces environmental impact compared to existing literature. These findings validate the use of peanut roots in a circular economy framework, offering a technically efficient and environmentally responsible alternative for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.