Design and Optimization of Extraction/Separation Processes for Natural Products

Dear Colleagues,

The efficient and targeted extraction of bioactive compounds remains the critical first step in determining the value of natural resources for medicinal and nutraceutical applications. This Special Issue aims to capture the latest advancements in the design, intensification, modeling, and scale-up of extraction/separation processes. We welcome contributions on both novel and conventional techniques, with a particular interest in studies that bridge the gap between process engineering and the final quality of products.

This Special Issue will also focus on the adoption of systematic and risk-based frameworks to enhance the robustness of processess and consistency of products. As such, we strongly encourage submissions that incorporate Quality by Design (QbD) and Analytical Quality by Design (AQbD) principles. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Process Design & Optimization: Application of green solvents, non-thermal technologies (e.g., ultrasound, microwave, PEF), and Design of Experiments (DoE) for process optimization.
• Integration of AQbD: Development of robust analytical methods under the AQbD framework for monitoring Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) in complex extracts.
• Advanced Analytics: Utilization of in-line/on-line monitoring with Process Analytical Technology (PAT), and advanced chromatography/spectroscopy for real-time control.
• Separation & Identification: Downstream purification, the identification of bioactive compounds, and the study of structure–activity relationships.
• Case Studies: Implementations of QbD/AQbD that demonstrate improved scalability, regulatory compliance, and overall quality assurance in natural product extraction.

This Special Issue seeks to provide a platform for research that not only advances extraction/separation techniques but also ensures the quality and efficacy of the final natural products/medicines through modern analytical and quality-by-design approaches.

Dr. Xingchu Gong
Dr. Guanglei Zuo
Guest Editors

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. Separations 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 2600 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.

• extraction/separation optimization
• natural products
• quality by design (QbD)
• analytical quality by design (AQbD)
• design of experiments (DoE)
• process analytical technology (PAT)
• green extraction
• separation and purification
• critical quality attributes (CQAs)