Green Extraction of Antioxidant from Natural Source

A special issue of Antioxidants (ISSN 2076-3921).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 1966

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antioxidants are crucial for combating oxidative stress and are primarily derived from various plant sources. Traditional extraction methods often use harmful solvents and are energy intensive, thus exerting to significant impact on the environmental. This Special Issue, entitled "Green Extraction of Antioxidant from Natural Source", address the need for sustainable extraction methods in the face of growing environmental concerns.

Green extraction techniques not only minimize the ecological footprint of antioxidant extraction, but also offer enhanced efficiency and yield, positioning them as a preferable alternative to conventional methods. This collection will highlight the application of innovative and eco-friendly techniques, including supercritical fluid extraction, ionic liquid-based extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and dispersive microextraction with magnetic adsorbents. This Special Issue will also delve into the characterization of antioxidants obtained from diverse sources and their applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. 

By fostering interdisciplinary research, this Special Issue of Antioxidants aims to advance the use of sustainable practices in antioxidant extraction, ultimately contributing to environmental preservation and public health.

Prof. Dr. Jolanta Flieger
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antioxidants is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • green extraction techniques 
  • supercritical fluid extraction 
  • ionic liquid (IL)-based extraction
  • microwave-assisted extraction
  • antioxidants
  • plants
  • cosmetic formulation

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

26 pages, 4026 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Red Grape Pomace: Optimizing Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction with Ethanol and NaDES as Solvents
by Nicoleta Balan, Silviu Măntăilă, Gabriela Râpeanu and Nicoleta Stănciuc
Antioxidants 2025, 14(5), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14050526 - 27 Apr 2025
Viewed by 209
Abstract
This study aims to investigate two types of solvents, ethanol and natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES), using the ultrasound-assisted extraction techniques, in order to analyze their efficiency and ability to extract polyphenolic compounds from red grape pomace. The optimization and validation of the [...] Read more.
This study aims to investigate two types of solvents, ethanol and natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES), using the ultrasound-assisted extraction techniques, in order to analyze their efficiency and ability to extract polyphenolic compounds from red grape pomace. The optimization and validation of the most feasible extraction conditions leading to maximization of the dependent variables (total anthocyanins, polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity), were carried out using response surface methodology with a central composite design. For ethanol extraction, the validated optimal conditions were at 35 °C for 22.5 min and a concentration of 70% ethanol. The values obtained under these conditions were 105.32 mg cyanindin-3-glucoside (C3G)/g DW, 465.81 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g DW, 15.3 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g DW and 1414.15 mMol Trolox/g DW, respectively. Concerning the extraction using NaDES, consisting of a 1:2:1 molar mixture of choline chloride, lactic acid and water, the optimal conditions that led to a profile consisting in 57.58 mg C3G/g DW, 414.04 mg GAE/100 g DW, 15.8 mg CE/100 g DW and 7.28 mMol Trolox/g DW, respectively, were at 60 °C for 60 min and a solvent volume of 10 mL. Two different chromatographic profiles were obtained, with 12 polyphenolic compounds identified in ethanolic extracts and only 5 in NaDES, respectively. The in vitro digestion study revealed the high bioaccessibility of polyphenols in the gastric environment, with a drastic decrease in simulated intestinal fluid. The results are valuable in terms of identifying the best extraction conditions for polyphenols using alternative, non-toxic, ecofriendly solvents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Extraction of Antioxidant from Natural Source)
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 3639 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound-Assisted Deep Eutectic Solvent Extraction of Antioxidant and Anti-Colorectal Cancer Proteins from Spirulina Biomass: Process Intensification, Characterization, and Bioactivity Evaluation
by May Thu Zin, Thida Kaewkod, Supakit Chaipoot, Gochakorn Kanthakat, Yan-Yu Chen, Benjamas Cheirsilp and Sirasit Srinuanpan
Antioxidants 2025, 14(3), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14030365 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 681
Abstract
Spirulina, a cyanobacterial biomass, is renowned for its high protein content and bioactive compounds, making it a promising candidate for health-promoting applications. This study explores the ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction technique for isolating antioxidants and anticancer proteins from Spirulina biomass, [...] Read more.
Spirulina, a cyanobacterial biomass, is renowned for its high protein content and bioactive compounds, making it a promising candidate for health-promoting applications. This study explores the ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction technique for isolating antioxidants and anticancer proteins from Spirulina biomass, aiming to enhance extraction efficiency and preserve protein bioactivity. The extraction process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), varying parameters such as biomass concentration, sonication amplitude, and extraction duration. The optimized extraction conditions—5% biomass concentration, 40% sonication amplitude, and 22-minute extraction—achieved a high protein yield of 80.62%, with a protein concentration of 442.88 mg/g extract and an essential amino acid content of 39.91%. The extracted proteins exhibited remarkable bioactivity, including strong antioxidant properties, with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of 0.25 mg GAE/g, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity of 0.58 mg TE/g, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (PFRAP) of 9.63 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g. Additionally, the protein extract displayed selective cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cell lines, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 10.25 mg/mL for Caco-2 and 15.40 mg/mL for HT-29 cells, while maintaining low toxicity towards normal Vero cells. Apoptosis rates of 70.43% in Caco-2 and 51.33% in HT-29 cells further confirm the anticancer potential of the extract. The functional properties of the extracted protein, including high foaming capacity (100%), emulsifying capacity (94.05%), and digestibility (85.77%), underscore its potential for diverse applications in food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. This eco-friendly and efficient extraction approach aligns with sustainable development goals and offers a viable strategy for harnessing Spirulina’s bioactive potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Extraction of Antioxidant from Natural Source)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 6127 KiB  
Article
Purification of Spent Hop Cone (Humulus lupulus L.) Extract with Xanthohumol Using Mesoporous Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
by Natalia Żuk, Sylwia Pasieczna-Patkowska, Ewelina Grabias-Blicharz, Magdalena Pizoń and Jolanta Flieger
Antioxidants 2025, 14(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14030314 - 5 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 691
Abstract
(1) Background: Over 90% of hop crops are currently used in beer production, with a small part used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Spent hops as a waste product contain one of the strongest antioxidants, xanthohumol. The aim of the study was [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Over 90% of hop crops are currently used in beer production, with a small part used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Spent hops as a waste product contain one of the strongest antioxidants, xanthohumol. The aim of the study was to purify spent hop extracts by magnetic dispersive extraction using iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) to obtain pure xanthohumol; (2) Methods: The extract from the waste product obtained after supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of hops was prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction utilizing different solvents, i.e., ethyl acetate, propanol, acetone, 80% methanol, ethyl acetate-methanol (1:1, v/v), and propanol-methanol (1:1, v/v). The hydrodynamic diameters and zeta potential of IONPs before and after incubation were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Isolated xanthohumol was identified based on the DAD spectrum in the range of 200–600 nm and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy/attenuated total reflectance (FT-IR/ATR); The antioxidant activity of extracts before and after incubation with IONPs was assessed using SNPAC (Silver Nanoparticle Antioxidant Capacity), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays, as well as total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). (3) Results: The amount of added IONPs, the kind of solvent, and the contact time of the extract with nanoparticles were optimized. We found that 80% MeOH extract after incubation with IONPs (865 µg IONPs/g of spent hops) at room temperature for 48 h contains 74.61% of initial xanthohumol content, providing a final xanthohumol concentration of 43 µg mL−1. (4) Conclusions: The proposed method of magnetic dispersive extraction using IONPs allows for the purification of spent hops extract and obtaining a pure product, namely xanthohumol, with a wide potential for practical applications in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetics, and agriculture. This is clear evidence of the usefulness of IONP as an effective sorbent. The method allows the use of residues from the brewing industry, i.e., the biomass of used hop cones to obtain a valuable substance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Extraction of Antioxidant from Natural Source)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop