Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources: Novel Extraction Methods, Protection and Therapeutic Potential
A Special Issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049) belonging to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 October 2026 | Viewed by 974
Editors
Interests: bioactive compounds; therapeutic potential; bioavailability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: bioactive compounds; bioavailability; nutraceuticals; therapeutic potential
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Bioactive compounds derived from natural sources, including plants, algae, fungi, and marine organisms, represent a resource of modern therapeutic discovery and nutraceutical development. These compounds, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids, and peptides, exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. However, their effective utilization depends on overcoming significant challenges in efficient extraction methodologies, suitable conservation processes, stability, and bioavailability. Traditional extraction methods, often characterized by high energy consumption, prolonged processing times, and the use of hazardous solvents, are increasingly being supplanted by novel, green technologies. Techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) offer enhanced selectivity, reduced environmental impact, and improved preservation of thermolabile constituents.
Post-extraction purification processes are necessary to remove impurities and obtain samples that are highly concentrated, stable, and with specific activity. Some purification methods are chromatographic (such as size-exclusion, ion-exchange, and affinity chromatography); high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC); thin-layer chromatography (TLC); membrane separation techniques (including ultrafiltration and nanofiltration).
Finally, the inherent instability of many bioactivities necessitates advanced protection strategies. Encapsulation methodologies, particularly nanoencapsulation using liposomes, nano-emulsions, and biopolymer matrices, have emerged as pivotal for protecting these compounds from degradation, controlling their release, and enhancing their absorption and targeted delivery. The therapeutic potential of these optimized and protected compounds is vast and rigorously investigated. Preclinical and clinical studies continue to elucidate their mechanisms of action in mitigating chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, neurodegenerative conditions, and various cancers. By synergizing innovative extraction with advanced stabilization technologies, researchers can more effectively translate the intrinsic value of natural bioactive compounds into efficacious, reliable, and sustainable therapeutic agents, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary pharmaceutical science.
Dr. Rosalva Mora-Escobedo
Dr. Cristian Jiménez Martínez
Dr. Liliana Alamilla
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- bioactive compounds
- natural products
- green extraction
- purification
- separation techniques
- encapsulation
- nanoencapsulation
- therapeutic potential
- drug discovery
- nutraceuticals
- stability
- bioavailability
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